️ US President Donald Trump has issued a stark threat to destroy Iran 'in one night' if it fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint in the Persian Gulf, by a deadline he set for Tuesday at 20:00 EDT (01:00 GMT). Trump's demand for an 'acceptable' deal, which includes ensuring the free flow of energy, comes amid ongoing tensions, with Iran so far rejecting US ceasefire proposals and instead calling for an immediate end to hostilities, post-conflict reconstruction, and the lifting of sanctions.
️ Speaking at a White House news conference alongside military officials, Trump claimed that 'reasonable' Iranian leaders were negotiating in 'good faith', but the outcome remains uncertain. He warned that if the deadline passes, Iran would be sent back to the 'Stone Ages', with no bridges or power plants left. This threat follows the recent rescue of two crew members from a downed US F-15 fighter jet in southern Iran, which Trump described as 'heroic', but he reiterated that attacks on Iran's energy and transportation infrastructure could be imminent.
️ Legal experts have cautioned that deliberate, sustained assaults on Iranian civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime, with a former Obama-era National Security Council legal advisor stating such actions are 'flatly illegal'. Despite this, Trump allegedly expressed no concern, insisting that Iran's population would be 'willing to suffer to have freedom'. The negotiations are further complicated by communication blackouts in Iran, with a regional official noting that getting responses from Iranian authorities takes about a day on average, hindering diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt.
️ Trump also renewed criticism of key US allies, including the UK, NATO, and South Korea, accusing them of failing to assist the US during the conflict and claiming the US does not 'need' the UK. According to the US military's Central Command, American forces have conducted over 13,000 strikes across Iran since the war began. Trump provided few details on future plans, stating he has 'the best plan' but won't divulge it, as the situation remains volatile with Iran's rejection of US demands and the looming deadline.
Source: www.bbc.com