As Trump's deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz drew closer, the U.S. president issued his starkest warning yet: "A whole civilisation will die tonight." Al Jazeera
It was a remarkable escalation in rhetoric, even by the standards of a conflict now in its sixth week. "The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night," Trump said at a press conference Monday at the White House. Bloomberg He had set 8 p.m. Tuesday as his final deadline for Tehran to reopen the waterway — and left little doubt about what he intended to do if that deadline passed without compliance.
The lead-up to Monday's press conference had already been jarring. Over the weekend, Trump posted an expletive-laden message on Truth Social warning Iran that Tuesday would be "Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one." He has repeatedly warned that the U.S. could strike power plants, bridges, and other infrastructure in Iran if Tehran fails to make a deal — a move that targeting critical civilian infrastructure could render a war crime. CNN
Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since the war began on February 28. The Islamic Republic's parliament last week passed a bill to formalize the collection of tolls on vessels transiting the waterway, though the route remains largely blocked. CNBC The strait carries roughly 20 percent of the world's oil in peacetime, and its closure has sent global energy prices soaring. NBC News
Iran's response to the ultimatum was blunt. "We won't merely accept a ceasefire," Iran's diplomatic representative in Cairo told the Associated Press. "We only accept an end to the war with guarantees that we won't be attacked again." Al Jazeera A senior Iranian security source told CNN that the Strait of Hormuz "will not return to its previous condition unless the war is permanently stopped," and that Iran has "no trust in Trump or his representatives." CNN For good measure, Iran's IRGC warned it would respond outside the region and deprive the U.S. and its allies of oil and gas "for many years" if Washington crossed what it called red lines by attacking civilian facilities. Al Jazeera
The threats did not stop there. An adviser to Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader warned that Tehran may target the Bab al-Mandeb Strait — the chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden — saying Iran "views Bab al-Mandab with the same intensity as Hormuz." NPR Closing a second major shipping lane would send shockwaves far beyond what the Hormuz closure has already done to energy markets.
Meanwhile, diplomacy was grinding forward in the background. A diplomatic effort is underway to avoid a major escalation, with the president considering a Pakistani proposal for a 45-day ceasefire to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. CBS News Oman has held talks with Iran about the strait, while Pakistan and Egypt have worked to keep communications open between Washington and Tehran. CNN Iran sent its formal response to Washington through Pakistan, submitting a 10-point counter-proposal that included an end to regional hostilities, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reconstruction assistance, and the lifting of sanctions. Al Jazeera
Trump fielded questions about the proposal at the White House Easter Egg Roll — an incongruous backdrop for a conversation about the brink of war. "They made a proposal, and it's a significant proposal. It's a significant step," he told reporters on the South Lawn. "It's not good enough, but it's a very significant step." CNBC He added that intermediaries were still negotiating, while confirming he was "highly unlikely" to extend the deadline.
Israel, meanwhile, approved an updated target list of energy and infrastructure sites in Iran in preparation for a contingency scenario in which U.S. diplomatic talks fail. Israeli sources told CNN they are highly skeptical that a deal is achievable. CNN
The human toll continues to mount. An Iranian drone strike on Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait overnight injured 15 Americans, most of whom have returned to duty. As of Monday, 373 American service members have been injured since the start of the operation. CBS News More than 3,400 people have been killed across the region. In Iran, U.S. and Israeli strikes have killed more than 1,900, according to the country's deputy health minister. At least 13 U.S. service members have been killed. NBC News
Even if a ceasefire is reached quickly, analysts warn it could take several months to restore normal oil supply levels due to damage to refineries, ports, and shipping infrastructure across the Gulf. CBS News
The Wall Street Journal, citing senior American negotiators, reported Monday that chances of a deal before tonight's deadline are slim. Both sides are still talking — but so far, neither has given the other anything close to what it needs to stop.
Muskan Zahra
