The chances for the U.S. to reach a ceasefire with Iran before President Donald Trump's deadline to increase the targeting of infrastructure including power plants and bridges are slim, according to a new report.
Axios reported that the talks in question revolve around a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end of the war. Citing four sources with knowledge of the talks, the outlet claimed that the talks are the last chance to prevent an escalation that could lead to the targeting of infrastructure that has civilian use, including power plants and bridges.
President Donald Trump told the outlet on Sunday that "deep negotiations" are taking place and a deal can be reached. However, he also published an expletive-ridden social media post threatening Tehran: "Open the Fu---n' Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah."
Iran again rejected any compromise, warning of "far more severe and expansive" retaliation if the U.S. moves forward with the threat. "If attacks on civilian targets are repeated, the next phases of our offensive and retaliatory operations will be far more severe and extensive, and the resulting damage and losses will be multiplied," a spokesman for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said in a statement.
Moreover, recent U.S. intelligence reports obtained by Reuters noted that Iran is unlikely to give up control of the strait. The assessment is that Tehran's grip on the key waterway, through which about 20% of the world's energy moves, is the only real leverage the country has over the U.S.
Iran has said it will seek to control as a result of the ongoing war. "The Hormuz Strait regime will no longer be as it was in the past. The government is determined to turn the achievements on the ground into stable economic and security benefits for the country," said Iranian Vice President Mohamed Reza Aref in late March.
In fact, a report noted that Tehran has already charged ship operators $2 million to go through the key waterway through which about 20% of the world's energy goes through, citing the cost of the war.
Bloomberg detailed that some ships have paid the charges, but details about the mechanism and currency used are not clear. Payments have been made discreetly, and only a small number of vessels have made it through.
Iran could also inflict pain on the U.S. if it were to seek a forceful reopening of the strait. CNN reported that about half of Iran's missile launchers remain operative after more than a month of war.
