Trump claims deal is possible with Iran while threatening strikes on energy sector

CBS News
March 30, 2026
3 min read

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Trump says Iran deal progress is possible but threatened to strike Iran's energy sector if talks fail.

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President Trump said he's making progress in negotiations with Iran while threatening to strike the country's energy sector if talks break down. The dual approach—signaling diplomatic possibility while issuing a military threat—reflects the administration's strategy to pressure Tehran into concessions on its nuclear program and regional activities. Trump has previously taken aggressive stances toward Iran, including reimposing sanctions and withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal during his first term. The threat to target Iran's energy infrastructure, a critical economic pillar, underscores the administration's willingness to use military force as leverage if diplomacy fails. The outcome will likely depend on whether Iran views the negotiations as credible or sees the threats as primarily rhetorical positioning.

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