Donald Trump delivered a stark and combative message on Iran, warning of overwhelming military action while also indicating that backchannel negotiations are underway. Trump said talks involving Steve Witkoff and JD Vance are "going well", but reiterated that the US could "knock out" Iran's military if needed. He also raised concerns over potential threats to key maritime routes, including the risk of mines disrupting global shipping. The remarks highlight a dual-track approach, combining aggressive rhetoric with ongoing diplomatic engagement, as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high.