President Trump delivered a stark ultimatum to Iran on Tuesday, warning that the entire Iranian "civilization" could face annihilation if the regime fails to meet his 8pm ET deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will." He added that the outcome could still change if "different, smarter, and less radicalized" leaders in Tehran prevail.
Mounting Pressure on Iran
The threat comes amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with Trump previously vowing to target critical infrastructure such as bridges, power plants, oil facilities, and water systems if no deal is reached. The U.S. military has already intensified its pressure campaign, conducting strikes on dozens of military targets on Kharg Island earlier Tuesday. A U.S. official clarified that the attacks were "re-strikes" on previously hit military locations and were not directed at oil export infrastructure.
"I am hopeful it will get to a good resolution," Vice President Vance said during a press conference in Budapest, emphasizing the urgency of ongoing negotiations.
Iran's Response
Iran has accused Trump of planning war crimes and has shown little public willingness to compromise. However, sources indicate that behind-the-scenes progress has been made in recent days. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane for oil, remains a flashpoint in the conflict, with Trump framing his threats as necessary to protect American interests and global stability.
As the deadline approaches, the situation remains volatile, raising concerns about the potential for broader regional conflict. The outcome of tonight's negotiations could have far-reaching implications for U.S.-Iran relations and global security.