Trump condemned over threat that Iran’s ‘civilisation will die’
Trump Condemned for Apocalyptic Warning Against Iran
Global leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and Pope Leo XIV, criticized US President Donald Trump for his stark warning that Iran’s civilization would face annihilation unless it agreed to a deal to halt the conflict and clear the Strait of Hormuz. The UN chief emphasized his worry over statements implying that civilian populations would suffer due to political and military decisions. The Pope called the threat “unacceptable,” underscoring its severe implications.
Deadline and Diplomatic Extension
As the 00:00 GMT deadline loomed, Pakistan, acting as a regional mediator, proposed extending the timeframe by two weeks to facilitate further talks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on X that diplomatic efforts were “progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully” with potential for significant outcomes. He urged Iran to “open the Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks” as a gesture of goodwill.
US and Israel Strikes
Trump had previously warned Iran that failure to meet his demands would result in the destruction of bridges and power plants. In response, US and Israeli forces intensified strikes, targeting military sites on Kharg Island and eight railway bridges. Iran reported damage but claimed its oil facilities remained operational. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched ballistic missiles at Israel and alleged they had struck a ship in the Gulf and a Saudi petrochemical complex.
“A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The president also asserted that achieving “complete and total regime change” might lead to “revolutionarily wonderful” results. He warned that US forces could dismantle Iran’s infrastructure within four hours if no agreement was reached.
Collateral Damage and Retaliation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed fighter jets had targeted railway tracks and bridges used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to move supplies. Iranian officials reported casualties, including two deaths at a Kashan bridge and 18 fatalities in Alborz province. The Rafie-Nia synagogue in Tehran was also destroyed, with Israel noting the strike hit a senior Iranian commander.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted public resolve, stating over 14 million Iranians had “registered to sacrifice their lives” for the country. Images from state media showed citizens forming human chains near critical infrastructure. The IRGC vowed to retaliate globally if “the American terrorist army crosses red lines,” threatening to disrupt oil and gas supplies for years.
Vice-President JD Vance hinted at additional tools the US might deploy, though the White House clarified he did not reference nuclear weapons. The administration acknowledged strikes on military targets but denied causing significant disruption to Iran’s oil operations.
