Trump Threatens Iran While Claiming He Wants to Negotiate
On April 19, Xinhua News Agency reported from Washington that U.S. President Trump stated on social media that American representatives would arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, on the evening of the 20th to participate in negotiations. The Iranian side has not yet responded to this.
Trump wrote: "My representatives will be going to Islamabad, Pakistan — they will arrive there tomorrow evening for negotiations."
Trump stated that the U.S. has proposed a "very fair and reasonable" agreement. "I hope they accept it, because if they don't, the U.S. will destroy every power plant and every bridge in Iran. The days of talking are over."
Trump mentioned that Iran fired shots in the Strait of Hormuz on the 18th, "many of which were aimed at a French vessel and a British freighter," which completely violated the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement.
Trump also stated that it is strange for Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz, "because our blockade has already sealed it off. They are inadvertently helping us, and closing the shipping lanes is costing them $500 million every day! The U.S. has no losses."
On the 18th, Iran stated that due to the U.S. "repeatedly breaking promises," Iran has resumed control over the passage of ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Some maritime intelligence companies reported that there were again incidents of ships being attacked in the Strait of Hormuz that day.
President Trump announced that U.S. representatives will arrive in Islamabad on April 20, 2023, for negotiations regarding Iran. He threatened to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges if they do not accept a proposed agreement. Iran has been accused of firing at vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, violating ceasefire agreements, and has resumed control over shipping in the area due to U.S. actions.
- U.S. representatives will arrive in Islamabad for negotiations on April 20, 2023.
- Trump threatens to destroy Iran's infrastructure if negotiations fail.
- Iran fired at vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, violating ceasefire agreements.
- Iran claims to have resumed control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz due to U.S. violations.
- Reports indicate renewed attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.