'Open Strait of Hormuz or face devastation': Donald Trump issues stark warning

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the United States was engaged in “serious discussions” with what he described as a “new, and more reasonable, regime” in Iran to end ongoing military operations.

He claimed progress had been made, but warned of severe consequences if an agreement failed to materialise.

“If a deal is not shortly reached, and if the Strait of Hormuz is not immediately open for business, we will conclude our stay in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their electric generating plants, oil wells and Kharg Island,” Trump wrote, adding that desalination facilities could also be targeted.

The US President said the threat was in response to what he described as the killing of American personnel over decades by Iran’s leadership.

Tehran, however, has denied holding any direct talks with Washington. Iranian officials said communication has taken place only through intermediaries and accused the US of making “excessive and unreasonable demands.”

Iran also rejected claims of involvement in mediation efforts led by Pakistan.

In a statement, Iran’s Consulate General in Mumbai said there were no direct negotiations underway and criticised what it described as inconsistent US diplomacy. It added that while regional calls to end the conflict were welcome, responsibility for the escalation lay elsewhere.

The exchange comes amid heightened military tensions in the region.

The United States and Israel continued strikes on Iranian targets, while Iran launched retaliatory attacks, including strikes on a water and power facility in Kuwait and an oil refinery in northern Israel.

Trump also claimed that Iran had allowed 20 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture, though the situation around the key shipping route remains volatile.

The remarks follow reports that the Pentagon is preparing for a possible extended ground operation, with thousands of US troops already deployed and more en route.

The build-up includes personnel from the 82nd Airborne Division and US Marines.

Trump has repeatedly highlighted the strategic importance of Kharg Island, which handles the majority of Iran’s oil exports. In a recent interview, he suggested the US could seize the island as part of its broader options in the conflict.

As the war enters its fifth week, diplomatic uncertainty and military escalation continue to raise concerns about a wider regional crisis.