WASHINGTON DC: U.S. President Donald Trump issued a dramatic warning to Iran on Tuesday, saying “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Tehran failed to meet his deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump gave Iran until 8 p.m. Washington time to end its blockade of the key oil shipping route or face large-scale attacks on Iranian infrastructure. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that the coming hours could become “one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the world.”
Iran showed no sign of backing down despite the ultimatum. Iranian officials rejected a proposal for a temporary ceasefire and insisted that any future agreement must include a complete end to U.S. and Israeli strikes, guarantees against further attacks, and compensation for damage caused during the conflict.
Explosions were reported on Kharg Island, home to Iran’s main oil export terminal. Iranian media also reported attacks on bridges, railway lines, power stations, an airport and a petrochemical facility. Large parts of the city of Karaj reportedly lost electricity after strikes hit transmission lines and a substation.
Iran responded by warning Gulf states that it would no longer avoid targeting the infrastructure of neighboring countries allied with the United States. Tehran claimed to have launched fresh strikes against a ship in the Gulf and industrial sites in Saudi Arabia linked to American companies.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the country had shown “great restraint” in recent weeks but that all limits had now been removed. Officials warned that if U.S. attacks continue, America’s regional allies could lose access to oil, gas, electricity and water for years.
The continuing standoff has also raised fears in global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, and any prolonged closure could trigger a major increase in oil prices and fuel costs worldwide. Brent crude remained volatile while investors waited to see whether Trump would carry out his threat or extend the deadline once again.
