On Monday, Iran issued a stern warning, promising a “much more devastating and widespread” retaliation should President Trump proceed with his threats to intensify strikes on civilian targets.
Iran’s central military command broadcasted a message via state media early Monday, stating, “If attacks on civilian targets are repeated, the next stages of our offensive and retaliatory operations will be much more devastating and widespread.”
This dire warning followed less than a day after President Trump angrily demanded that Iran “open the f—in’” Strait of Hormuz, threatening the regime’s leaders with dire consequences if they failed to comply.
In a fiery message posted on Truth Social, Trump declared, “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—in’ Strait, you crazy b—–ds, or you’ll be living in Hell.” He concluded with a provocative, “JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”
The tensions were heightened as both Iran and the United States received a draft proposal late Sunday evening. The proposal called for a 45-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to sources in the Middle East.
The threats from both sides were lobbed just as Iran and the US received a draft proposal late Sunday calling for a 45-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Middle Eastern sources.
The proposal — from Egyptian, Pakistani and Turkish mediators — is banking on a 45-day window to provide enough time for talks to reach a permanent ceasefire, the sources added.
Neither Iran or the US have responded to the proposal.
The president has so far been cautious about hitting power plants in Iran amid fears it could inhibit the country’s ability to recover after the conflict ends.
He first announced a pause on strikes on the Islamic Republic’s energy targets back on March 23 due to what he described as “very good and productive conversations” his administration was having with the regime.
Trump then extended it to April 6, claiming he did so because “they gave me ships” — meaning oil tankers that Iran supposedly let through the Strait of Hormuz.
Then, Trump last week insisted Iran had begged for a cease-fire, but he rejected it and vowed to bomb the regime “back to the Stone Ages” until it agrees to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
