President Donald Trump delivered mixed messages about U.S.-Iran relations on Sunday, suggesting diplomatic progress while simultaneously discussing aggressive military options against the Islamic Republic.
During his remarks, Trump indicated that America maintains both “direct and indirect” communication channels with Iran, characterizing the current U.S. strategic position as “very good.” He expressed optimism about potential negotiations, stating: “I think we’ll make a deal with them very soon. It may not happen, but I do see an agreement with Iran; it could happen soon.”
However, Trump also discussed potential aggressive actions against Iranian energy infrastructure. In comments to the Financial Times on Sunday, he said: “To be honest with you, my favorite thing is to take the oil in Iran, but some stupid people back in the US say: ‘Why are you doing that?’ But they’re stupid people.”
The President specifically mentioned Iran’s crucial oil export terminal, stating: “Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options.” He acknowledged such action would require extended military presence, adding: “It would also mean we had to be there [in Kharg Island] for a while.” When questioned about Iranian defensive capabilities, Trump responded: “I don’t think they have any defense. We could take it very easily.”
Trump also announced on Truth Social that American military forces had conducted strikes against Iranian positions, declaring: “Big day in Iran. The targets were destroyed by our mighty military, the best and most lethal in the entire world.”
According to Wall Street Journal reports citing U.S. officials, the administration is evaluating a specialized ground mission to secure approximately 1,000 pounds of uranium from Iran to block the nation’s nuclear weapons development, though no final authorization has been given while military planners assess troop safety concerns.
Israeli Defense Forces confirmed they are currently conducting operations against Iranian government facilities throughout Tehran. Iranian authorities reported an overnight aerial assault on a petrochemical plant in Tabriz, with officials stating: “the situation is under control and rescue forces are present at the scene,” while emphasizing that “no hazardous materials were released.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran’s Khondab heavy water reactor sustained major damage and ceased operations following last week’s reported attack, though the agency noted that no nuclear materials were believed to be housed at that location.
