In a recent announcement, former President Donald Trump declared that the deadline for the closure, set for 8 PM ET on Tuesday (10 AM Wednesday AEST), is final. This ultimatum comes after several previous deadlines were extended.
“The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night,” Trump stated during a press conference, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Trump revealed that the United States has a comprehensive plan to target critical infrastructure across Iran. “We have a plan, because of the power of our military, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o’clock tomorrow night,” he asserted.
He further elaborated that power plants throughout Iran would face destruction, claiming they would be “burning, exploding and never to be used again.”
When questioned about the potential targeting of civilian areas, Trump refrained from providing a clear answer. He also dismissed concerns that such actions could be considered war crimes or violations of international law.
He refused to say whether civilian targets were off limits, and dismissed concerns such military action might constitute war crimes or breach international law.
However, Trump also said he didn’t want to unleash the threatened bombing campaign.
“We may even get involved with helping them rebuild their nation,” he said.
“And you know what, if that’s the case, the last thing we want to do is start with power plants, which are among the most expensive things, and bridges.”
Iran, for its part, has rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal and continues to hold a tight grip over the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
“We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we won’t be attacked again,” Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of Iran’s diplomatic mission in Cairo, told The Associated Press.
However, indirect negotiations are continuing between the US and Iran via Pakistani officials, with Trump acknowledging that in his briefing.
Trump has previously delayed or called off threatened ultimatums while citing improvements in discussions with adversaries, raising the possibility it may happen again.
While the war remains increasingly unpopular at home, one expert says Trump may be less concerned about its effect on domestic politics, which are more likely to be influenced by economics.
“The bet here is that he would happily trade some domestic political turmoil for a win in Iran and a vastly more positive position for himself in US and world history.”
If so, Trump could well be determined to press ahead with further military action, though the ultimate goal is unclear.
The US president has gone back and forth on whether he seeks – or has achieved – regime change after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whether the US has an interest in re-opening the Strait of Hormuz, or whether he seeks to liberate the Iranian people.
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