Donald Trump has issued stern threats to "obliterate" Iran's power stations, fresh water plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island if Tehran fails to agree to peace terms "shortly," despite simultaneously claiming diplomatic progress in ending the war instigated by the US and Israel.

In a post on his Truth Social network, Trump expressed confidence in an impending negotiated settlement, asserting that the US was in "serious discussions" with what he termed "a more reasonable regime" in Tehran.

Such threats to civilian infrastructure, including power and water facilities, have drawn strong condemnation from human rights groups.

The US faces an increasingly challenging set of options, with military operations fraught with danger.

Reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow shipping lane through which about a fifth of the world's daily oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply passes, is equally hazardous.

Another perilous military option is a mission to seize Iran's supply of highly enriched uranium, stored in fortified underground tunnels.

The conflict's economic consequences are severe and widespread, with oil prices on track for a record monthly rise.

The US is also incurring increasing losses and faces vulnerable positions.

Internationally, there is growing discomfort and dwindling support for the conflict.

Trump faces a "nightmare scenario" as the US-Israeli war stretches into its fifth week, with the crisis in the Middle East deepening.