WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that dialogue is continuing with what he termed “reasonable elements” inside the Iranian leadership, hinting at potential diplomatic channels despite escalating tensions.
Speaking during the White House’s annual Easter event for children, Trump suggested that Iran’s current leadership is comparatively less hardline than figures who have been eliminated since the conflict intensified.
Opening his remarks, the president referenced the ongoing confrontation with Iran and highlighted a recent high-risk operation to recover a U.S. airman. The pilot had been stranded in a remote mountainous region after his aircraft was shot down, before being rescued in what Trump described as a rare and perilous mission.
“Operations like this are not something you see often,” he said, noting the difficulty of carrying out such missions deep inside hostile territory. While acknowledging Iran as a formidable adversary, Trump claimed the country’s strength has diminished in recent weeks.
Responding to questions about his strong language in a recent social media post—where he warned Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz Trump said the remarks were intended to underscore the seriousness of the situation.
He repeated his warning that failure to comply could result in continued U.S. strikes on critical infrastructure. “They risk losing their bridges, their power systems everything,” he said, adding that harsher measures remain an option.
Trump also floated the idea that, under his preferred approach, the United States would take control of Iran’s oil reserves. “The resources are there, and they wouldn’t be able to stop it,” he asserted.
He acknowledged that many Americans favor reducing foreign engagements but maintained that controlling energy assets could generate revenue while, in his view, benefiting the Iranian population.
His remarks come at a time of rising regional instability, as both diplomatic efforts and military developments continue to shape the evolving situation.
