Iran accuses US of plotting ground assault while publicly seeking talks | First Thing

Iran has accused the US of plotting a ground invasion while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic talks, warning it will militarily confront any land attack. President Trump fueled those tensions in a Financial Times interview, stating he would prefer to "take the oil" from Iran and declaring that the country's Kharg Island export hub "could be taken very easily." The rhetoric marks an escalation as an ongoing regional conflict enters its second month and creates its largest-ever disruption to global energy supplies. Trump's comments suggest the administration is considering more aggressive military options rather than purely diplomatic resolution, raising the stakes for both regional stability and worldwide oil markets. The situation reflects a pattern of competing signals from Washington—publicly discussing negotiations while privately indicating willingness to seize Iranian strategic assets.