(Image source from: REUTERS)
Just after he threatened to detonate power plants and bridges in Iran, US President Donald Trump mentioned on Sunday that there is a "good chance" that Washington and Tehran may strike a deal by Monday. However, he warned that he would destroy "everything" if an agreement could not be reached regarding the peace treaty. "I believe there is a good chance tomorrow, they are negotiating now," the 79-year-old Republican president stated while talking to a Fox News reporter. "If they do not complete a deal quickly, I am thinking about blowing everything up and taking control of the oil." Interestingly, these comments came just a few hours following his threat to obliterate power plants and bridges in Iran if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s crude oil is transported. Since the start of the conflict, Iran has blocked this key passage, causing disruptions in the global economy.
In reaction, Trump had given Iran a deadline until April 6 to reopen the Strait or face repercussions. Trump's statements were also made shortly after US forces managed to rescue the weapons system officer (WSO) of the F-15E Strike Eagle that had crashed in Iran during a mission. According to Trump, the WSO holds the rank of colonel, was injured, and was hiding in the mountains. "WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, in the last few hours, the United States Military conducted one of the most courageous Search and Rescue Operations in U. S. History for one of our amazing Crew Member Officers, who is also a highly esteemed Colonel, and I am pleased to announce is now SAFE and SOUND! " Trump posted on his Truth Social account.
"This courageous soldier was deep within enemy territory in the dangerous mountains of Iran, being pursued by our adversaries, who were getting closer by the hour, but he was never truly alone because his Commander in Chief, Secretary of War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and fellow soldiers were tracking his location around the clock and carefully planning for his rescue," he continued.
