Trump Issues Dire Warning to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz Deadline
Former US President Donald Trump has posted a grave message on his Truth Social platform, declaring that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again." He added, "I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will," setting a deadline of 20:00 EDT on Tuesday for Iran to comply with US demands.
Trump's Ultimatum and Hopeful Remarks
This warning marks the latest in a series of deadlines Trump has imposed on Iran amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He is pressuring Iran to reach a deal on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. In his post, Trump suggested that "something revolutionarily wonderful can happen" before the deadline, citing "Complete and Total Regime Change" where "different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail." He expressed uncertainty, stating, "WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World." Trump concluded by claiming that "47 years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally end" and offered blessings to "the Great People of Iran."
White House and US Officials Respond
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that only Trump "knows where things stand and what he will do." In a statement sent to the BBC, the White House reiterated the deadline, saying, "The Iranian regime has until 8PM Eastern Time to meet the moment and make a deal with the United States." Vice-President JD Vance, speaking from Budapest, warned that the Iranian regime must understand the US possesses "tools in our tool kit that we so far haven't decided to use." He added, "The President of the United States can decide to use them and he will decide to use them if the Iranians don't change their course of conduct."
Iran's Defiant Reaction
In response, Iranian foreign affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei posted on X, asserting, "The power of a 'CIVILIZED' nation's culture, logic, and faith in its righteous cause will undoubtedly prevail over the logic of brute force." He continued, "A nation that has every faith in the righteousness of its path shall harness all its capacities and capabilities to safeguard its rights and legitimate interests," signaling Iran's refusal to back down in the face of Trump's threats.
