US President Donald Trump escalated his harsh rhetoric against Iran, warning that “an entire civilization could be destroyed tonight” if the Tehran regime does not reach an agreement.
Trump specifically called for an agreement that would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump’s statement came after US forces launched a nighttime attack on military targets on Harg Island, Iran’s most important oil export terminal. White House officials confirmed the operation, noting the rapid escalation of tensions in the region.
Trump: “An Entire Civilization Could Be Destroyed Tonight”
In a social media post, Trump stated, “An entire civilization could be destroyed tonight, never to return. I don’t want this to happen, but it probably will.” In the same message, he also alluded to regime change, saying, “If smarter and less radicalized minds come to the forefront, revolutionary positive developments could occur.”
Following the clashes that began with the US and Israeli attacks on Iran at the end of February, Iran blocked most of the passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical to global oil trade.
Although Trump claimed that the Iranian military had been largely “destroyed,” he acknowledged that the Tehran regime continued to control ship traffic through the strait, a significant bargaining chip. Trump, who had previously made harsh statements suggesting Iran could target bridges and energy infrastructure, gave Iran until 3:00 AM Turkish time on Wednesday (8:00 PM ET today) to comply.
Iranian Sources Report Talks Between the Parties Have Not Completely Ended
Meanwhile, conflicting signals continue to emerge on the diplomatic front. According to reports in the Arab press, the White House stated that the US has no intention of using nuclear weapons against Iran. Iranian state media, however, reported that indirect diplomatic channels have not been completely closed.
Some assessments reported in the US press suggest that Trump’s approach is tougher compared to other figures in the administration. A US official speaking to Axios described Trump as “much more aggressive,” while noting that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State have adopted a relatively more cautious stance.
*This is not investment advice.
