Trump has escalated his threats against Iran should it withdraw from the agreement
U.S. President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran, promising to completely destroy power plants, oil wells, Kharg Island, and desalination plants if Tehran does not agree to a new deal in the near future.
In a post on the social media platform Truth Social on March 30, 2026, the American leader emphasized that the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping is also a mandatory condition. According to Trump, these facilities have so far been left intact on purpose, but the U.S. is ready to launch strikes if diplomatic efforts fail.
Washington is currently negotiating with Iran’s new leadership to halt military operations and notes some progress in this process. Trump emphasized that the potential destruction of critical infrastructure would serve as retribution for the deaths of American soldiers over the 47 years of the previous regime’s rule. The president noted that the U.S. will end its presence in Iran with radical actions if an agreement is not reached as soon as possible. Thus, the U.S. administration has significantly increased pressure on Tehran, combining the negotiation process with a direct threat of the complete destruction of the country’s energy and extraction sectors.
Meanwhile, Iran accused Israel of attacks on a desalination plant in Kuwait. In a statement, the Iranian military called Israel’s actions “brutal and despicable.”
Spain has banned U.S. military aircraft participating in strikes against Iran from using its airspace. The decision also applies to access to joint bases.
Northern Israel came under fresh fire from Iran and Hezbollah. Two people were wounded, one of them in serious condition. Several towns in the north of the country were hit.
Israel has recorded an increase in attacks and pressure on Christians and church properties. Over the past year, there have been at least 155 incidents—ranging from verbal abuse to physical attacks. Researchers say the problem is becoming systemic and affecting the lives of entire communities.
In Haifa, a fire broke out at an oil refinery following a rocket attack by Iran and the Hezbollah group. The fire was captured on video, which was broadcast on Israeli television. It is currently unknown whether the rocket struck the facility directly.
The small island of Kharg is key to Iran’s economy. About 90% of all Iranian oil exports pass through it. Any strike on this location could drastically escalate the situation and affect not only Iran but also the global market.
Currently, the number of U.S. troops in the Middle East already exceeds 50,000, which is 10,000 more than usual. Typically, there are about 40,000 U.S. troops stationed at bases and aboard ships in the region—including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait.
The United States is stepping up pressure on Tehran, forcing the Iranian leadership to seek avenues for negotiations on Washington’s terms.
As a reminder, Trump stated that Iran had offered him the position of supreme leader.
Trump also mentioned the possibility of seizing Iranian oil and the island of Kharg.
