Clock ticks on Trump’s Iran ultimatum with little sign of breakthrough

Clock Ticks on Trump’s Iran Ultimatum with Little Sign of Breakthrough

President Donald Trump has issued a series of ultimatums, enforced demands, and escalated threats over the past five weeks as part of the U.S.-Israel alliance’s campaign against Iran. His latest warnings, however, have been more specific than previous ones. The upcoming strikes are poised to be intense, with the operation scheduled to commence at 20:00 Washington DC time on Tuesday (00:00 GMT Wednesday). Within four hours, every bridge and power plant across the country could be “decimated,” according to Trump. The president emphasized that Iran must accept a deal “that’s acceptable to me” to avoid this outcome.

Central to the agreement is the requirement for “free traffic of oil” through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the growing pressure, Iran has shown no willingness to concede. They have dismissed a proposed temporary ceasefire and presented their own set of demands, which a U.S. official labeled “maximalist.” This leaves Trump in a precarious position. If no resolution emerges, he may extend the deadline for the fourth time in three weeks. Yet, retracting such explicit threats could undermine his authority as the conflict intensifies.

“Very little is off-limits,” Trump stated on Monday.

Trump’s recent press conference highlighted both his confidence and his strategic calculations. He claimed victory, asserting that Iran has been “militarily defeated” and that their only remaining strength lies in psychological tactics. The ability to disrupt oil tankers via drones, missiles, and mines, he suggested, might be a more formidable Iranian asset than U.S. military might. During the event, Trump praised the precision of last year’s “Midnight Hammer” strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January, and the recent operation to rescue two captured airmen deep within Iran.

While the rescue mission demonstrated American tactical skill, it also underscored the risks involved. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the operation averted a “potential tragedy,” but Trump noted that the effort highlighted the vulnerability of U.S. forces in the region. “We can bomb the hell out of them,” the president said, “but to close the Strait, all you need is one terrorist.” He expressed reluctance to proceed with full-scale attacks, citing the long-term consequences. “Do I want to destroy their infrastructure? No,” he remarked. “Right now, if we leave today, it will take them 20 years to rebuild their country. If we stay, it could take a century.”

Despite the looming threat, Trump remains optimistic about a diplomatic resolution. “We have an active, willing participant on the other side,” he said, adding that Iran “would like to be able to make a deal.” However, his reluctance to share details about the plan has raised questions. The president claimed “every single thing has been thought out by all of us,” yet his opacity suggests that negotiations may be more advanced than publicly revealed. With the deadline approaching, the world watches as the U.S. and Iran teeter on the edge of a critical decision.