Donald Trump threatened Iran with total destruction, warning of a potential attack as soon as Tuesday night and claiming civilization itself is at stake.
Trump’s Stark Warning
Trump stated on his Truth Social platform, “The entire civilization will die tonight and never be reborn.” He acknowledged the possibility of this outcome but suggested a shift in leadership within Iran could lead to a “revolutionarily wonderful” outcome.
He predicted the end of “47 years of coercion, corruption, and death” and concluded with a blessing for the Iranian people.
Ultimatum and Threats of Force
On Monday, Trump declared Iran could be destroyed overnight, setting a Tuesday night deadline for Iranian authorities. He threatened to reduce Iran to a “stone age” state if no agreement is reached.
Trump asserted the U.S. could destroy all Iranian bridges and power plants within four hours, but expressed a preference for avoiding such action while negotiations continue.
Demands for Oil Passage and Payment
Trump insisted any deal with Iran must guarantee free passage of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a “big priority.” He claimed the U.S. has won the war and therefore has the right to charge fees for passage through the waterway, rather than Iran.
Reported Attacks on Iranian Island of Khark
The Iranian semi-official Mehr news agency reported explosions on the island of Khark, a key hub for Iranian oil exports. The British newspaper *The Telegraph* reported that rockets hit a dock, a base of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and an airfield on the island.
U.S. Strikes Reported
The *Wall Street Journal* reported that U.S. forces attacked 50 military targets on Khark. Approximately 90% of Iranian oil exports pass through the island, located off Iran’s southwestern coast.
Warning Signal from Attacks
*The Telegraph* characterized the attacks on Khark as a serious warning to Tehran, demonstrating Trump’s commitment to his threats. U.S. forces previously targeted Khark in mid-March, focusing on military facilities.
Iran Dismisses Trump’s Threats
A spokesperson for the Iranian armed forces stated that Trump’s “vulgar and arrogant rhetoric” and “baseless threats” would not affect Iran’s military operations. The spokesperson dismissed Trump as “delusional” and attempting to justify U.S. military failures.
Iran Condemns U.S. and Israeli Actions
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Modżtaba Chamenei, labeled U.S. and Israeli attacks as “crimes against humanity” and accused them of violating international law. He criticized global institutions for their silence and, in some cases, complicity in fueling the conflict.