Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Mar 30: US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a strong warning to Iran amid ongoing ceasefire talks, stating that the United States is engaged in “serious discussions” with a “new and more reasonable regime” to end the month-long conflict in the Middle East.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said there was a fair chance of a deal being finalised soon. However, he warned that if negotiations fail, the US would launch a decisive strike targeting Iran’s key energy infrastructure, including power plants, oil wells and Kharg Island.

He further stated that the US had so far refrained from targeting such facilities but would “completely obliterate” them if the Strait of Hormuz is not kept open for global trade.

Meanwhile, reports have suggested that the United States may also be considering a possible ground invasion in Iran. The plans are said to include seizing Kharg Island and conducting operations near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments.

Reacting strongly, Iran warned Washington against any such move. Brigadier General Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said any attempt to invade or occupy Iranian territory would invite a “strong response”.

In a video message, Zolfaqari issued a sharp warning, stating that American forces would “become good food for the sharks of the Persian Gulf” if such actions were pursued.

He also alleged that Trump was under external pressure, claiming the US President was being influenced by Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad and had become a pawn in the ongoing conflict with Iran.