US President Donald Trump on Monday stated that Washington is engaged in “serious” negotiations with what he termed a “more reasonable” leadership in Iran, even as he cautioned that failure to secure a deal — and reopen the Strait of Hormuz — could trigger large-scale American strikes on vital Iranian assets.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump said discussions were moving forward and expressed optimism about a possible breakthrough. However, he warned that if the crucial maritime corridor is not swiftly reopened for global trade, the United States would consider targeting Iran’s power grids, oil production facilities and the strategic Kharg Island terminal. He also suggested desalination plants could be hit, noting they had so far been spared. The President framed any such action as retaliation for American personnel allegedly killed during what he described as decades of hostile conduct by Iran’s leadership.

Earlier, Trump had announced a 10-day halt to US attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure — a pause set to expire on April 6.

Conflicting Signals Amid Military Build-Up

While Trump described diplomatic engagement as progressing “extremely well,” with both direct and indirect channels in play, Tehran has denied participating in face-to-face negotiations with Washington.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, dismissed reports of mediation efforts — including those said to involve Pakistan — as a smokescreen for an expanding US military presence in the region.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar indicated that talks could occur in the coming days, though it remains unclear whether they would involve direct engagement between the two sides.

Trump also indicated that more aggressive options remain under consideration, including potential moves involving Kharg Island. He acknowledged that any operation to secure strategic sites might require an extended American deployment. Tehran, for its part, has warned of broader retaliation, including possible disruptions to Gulf shipping routes and attacks on regional targets.

Kharg Island in Focus

In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Trump floated the idea of taking control of Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub, saying the US has multiple options on the table. He added that Iran had permitted 20 oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday, calling it a goodwill gesture.

At present, roughly 2,500 US Marines are stationed in the region, with additional troops reportedly being deployed.

Iran has rejected Washington’s proposals to end hostilities, labelling them impractical and excessive, and has continued military operations as the conflict moves into its second month.