WASHINGTON — In a bold statement on Monday, President Trump issued a stern warning to Iran and the speaker of its parliament following an aggressive move by Tehran. The Islamic Republic targeted Israel’s largest oil refinery, igniting tensions in the region. Speaking to The Post, Trump indicated that a U.S. response was imminent, stating, “You’ll see shortly.”
Iran’s recent actions have ramped up regional instability, further highlighted by their attack on a water and electrical facility in Kuwait. The assault on the oil refinery in Haifa, northern Israel, left it in flames, marking a significant escalation. When questioned about his administration’s strategy, Trump remained cryptic, promising clarity in the near future.
Amidst these developments, the President has increased America’s military presence in the area, signaling a potential for severe repercussions against Iran. Trump urged the remaining Iranian leadership to consider negotiations before the situation deteriorates further.
In an exclusive conversation with The Post, Trump suggested that the U.S. would soon discern whether Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, is open to cooperation with the United States. “We’re gonna find out,” he mentioned, promising updates within a week.
The President also highlighted a significant shift within Iran’s political landscape, suggesting that a new leadership has emerged following the displacement of the old regime. This new faction, he noted, has so far shown a greater willingness to engage with the U.S.
The president described a dramatic shake-up inside Iran, claiming the old guard has effectively been wiped out and replaced by a new group he said has so far been easier to work with.
“There has been total regime change because the regimes of the past are gone and we’re dealing with a whole new set of people,” Trump said. “And thus far, they’ve been much more reasonable.”
Pressed on whether these are new figures compared to past US adversaries in Tehran, Trump didn’t mince words.
“Pretty much,” he said. “The other people are all dead.”
Trump also pointed to uncertainty surrounding the health of Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei — the son of the now-dead Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The son has not been seen publicly since the US and Israel began their attacks on Feb. 28.
“Nobody’s heard from him,” Trump said of the leader, who The Post previously reported that US intel officials believe to be gay. “He’s very seriously injured.”
Asked if Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive, Trump added, “We don’t know. We think probably yes, but in extraordinarily bad shape.”
The interview came hours after Iran targeted an Israeli oil refinery — the latest strike on energy infrastructure in the monthlong war.
Oil prices spiked in early trading on Monday, as Iran went on the attack and Trump threatened his response. Prices hit $115 per barrel and, in the US, the average price for a gallon of gas is now $3.99, according to AAA, which is the highest since 2022.
Trump threatened Iran’s energy infrastructure in response, writing on Truth Social, the US would consider “blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!), which we have purposefully not yet “touched” if a peace deal is not reached “shortly.”
