Share and Follow
On the eve of his self-imposed deadline, former President Donald Trump reaffirmed his ultimatum, insisting that the closure would conclude at 8 p.m. Tuesday Eastern Time (10 a.m. Wednesday Australian Eastern Standard Time). Trump emphasized that this was the final extension, having previously delayed the cutoff multiple times.
Speaking at a news conference, Trump issued a stark warning: “The entire country could face destruction in a single night, and that night might be tomorrow.” His words underscored the gravity of the situation.
Trump disclosed that the United States had developed a comprehensive strategy to target key Iranian infrastructure across the nation. “Our military’s strength ensures that by midnight tomorrow, every bridge in Iran will be completely destroyed,” he asserted.
Furthermore, he declared that Iran’s power plants would face catastrophic damage. “They will be burning, exploding, and rendered unusable forever,” he warned.
Power plants in the country, he said, would be “burning, exploding and never to be used again”.
He refused to say whether civilian targets were off limits, and dismissed concerns such military action might constitute war crimes or breach international law.
However, Trump also said he didn’t want to unleash the threatened bombing campaign.
“We may even get involved with helping them rebuild their nation,” he said.
“And you know what, if that’s the case, the last thing we want to do is start with power plants, which are among the most expensive things, and bridges.”
Iran, for its part, has rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal and continues to hold a tight grip over the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
“We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we won’t be attacked again,” Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of Iran’s diplomatic mission in Cairo, told The Associated Press.
However, indirect negotiations are continuing between the US and Iran via Pakistani officials, with Trump acknowledging that in his briefing.
Trump has previously delayed or called off threatened ultimatums while citing improvements in discussions with adversaries, raising the possibility it may happen again.
While the war remains increasingly unpopular at home, one expert says Trump may be less concerned about its effect on domestic politics, which are more likely to be influenced by economics.
“The bet here is that he would happily trade some domestic political turmoil for a win in Iran and a vastly more positive position for himself in US and world history.”
If so, Trump could well be determined to press ahead with further military action, though the ultimate goal is unclear.
The US president has gone back and forth on whether he seeks – or has achieved – regime change after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whether the US has an interest in re-opening the Strait of Hormuz, or whether he seeks to liberate the Iranian people.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.