President Trump has issued a stark and alarming warning amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, delivering a direct ultimatum. In an interview with Axios, he stated, “There is a good chance, but if they don’t make a deal, I am blowing up everything over there.”
The warning comes as the US and Iran are engaged in indirect negotiations facilitated by Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, with the aim of achieving a ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, as the clock ticks towards the specified deadline, optimism among mediators remains cautiously guarded.
In anticipation of the looming deadline, Trump made it clear that Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, could be potential targets. In a message posted on Truth Social, he emphasized, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F***kin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”
Such targeted strikes, intended to destabilize the regime, raise concerns of potential war crimes and the possibility of retaliatory actions against Israel and Gulf states. When questioned about potential civilian casualties, Trump expressed belief that those living under the oppressive Iranian regime would support such actions as a means to challenge the government.
In response to Trump’s remarks, Iran’s Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf strongly condemned the US president, accusing him of leading America into “a living HELL for every single family” and following the commands of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Behind the scenes, high-stakes mediation efforts are underway, with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reportedly engaged in direct negotiations with Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, including exchanges via text messages. While Trump has indicated progress in the talks, he also expressed frustration over delays in direct negotiations, which allegedly prompted the US strike on a bridge in Tehran.
Simultaneously, foreign ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are actively working to devise confidence-building measures that could potentially extend the negotiation deadline and bring both parties closer to the bargaining table. Despite these efforts, a breakthrough has yet to be realized.
As the deadline approaches, global attention is focused on whether diplomatic efforts will succeed or if Trump’s forceful ultimatum will translate into concrete actions, potentially sparking a new phase of conflict in the Gulf region.