Trump Threatens Iran with 'Devastation' Ahead of Deadline for Deal
US President Donald Trump has issued a stark and ominous warning to Iran, declaring that its "whole civilization will die tonight" if the country's leadership fails to secure a deal with the United States. Over the weekend, Trump set a firm deadline, stating that Iran had until Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, which translates to 1 a.m. WAT, to make what he described as a decisive and critical move. The US president further demanded that Iran guarantee full and unimpeded access to the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping, cautioning of severe and immediate consequences if this demand is not met.
Escalating Tensions and Infrastructure Threats
In a post on his Truth Social platform, just hours before the deadline, Trump wrote, "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, "However, now that we have complete and total regime change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, maybe something revolutionary can happen — who knows? We will find out tonight." Tensions intensified significantly on Monday when Trump reportedly threatened to target Iran's critical infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, if Tehran failed to comply with the US demands.
Following this warning, multiple strikes were reported on bridges and railway lines across various parts of Iran. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, a strike in Kashan city resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to three others. Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces advised civilians in Iran to avoid train travel and stay away from railway infrastructure for at least 12 hours, highlighting the heightened risk and volatility of the situation.
Strategic Strikes and Iran's Response
Reports also indicate that US forces conducted strikes on Iran's strategic Kharg Island, a key hub through which the majority of the country's oil exports pass, further escalating the conflict. Meanwhile, IRNA reported that Iran has firmly rejected calls for a ceasefire, insisting instead on a permanent and comprehensive end to hostilities. The situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable, with global attention intensely focused on developments as the deadline passes, raising concerns about potential further escalation and regional instability.
