WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iranian energy and water infrastructure if a peace deal is not reached. In a social media post, Trump said, "We will conclude our lovely 'stay' in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!)."

Trump said that diplomatic efforts would probably lead to a ceasefire deal soon. He also said that Iran had allowed 20 more oil cargo ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and that the United States is in serious discussions with a new and more reasonable regime in Iran.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the Trump administration is negotiating with Iranian leaders who are appearing more reasonable behind the scenes than the regime's previous leaders. "This is another historic opportunity for Iran to do the right thing to rid themselves of their nuclear ambitions and to come to a deal with this president," Leavitt said.

She said, "The American people are smart enough to not take Iranian officials at their word when they say there are no negotiations happening with the United States."

Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that the Trump administration's terms were unrealistic, unreasonable and excessive. "I do not know how many people in the United States take American diplomacy claims seriously. Our mission is clear, unlike the other side, which constantly changes its position," Baghaei said. He said that there have been no direct negotiations between the United States and Iran, only messages through intermediaries stating that the United States wants to confer.

Leavitt said that the president is open to having Arab countries help pay for the costs associated with the Iran war.

Intentionally targeting civilian water and energy infrastructure could amount to a war crime under international law. On Saturday, the USS Tripoli arrived in the Middle East carrying about 3,500 sailors and Marines and a transport of fighter planes. Earlier this month, the USS Boxer, based in San Diego, and two warships from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit departed from Camp Pendleton to join the troop buildup in the Middle East.