Iran War Live: Trump Warns 'Whole Civilization Will Die Tonight' as Midnight Deadline Approaches
President issues grave ultimatum as US strikes Iran's main oil export hub while demanding Strait of Hormuz reopening by 8 p.m. Eastern.
President Trump issued his most dire warning yet in the escalating conflict with Iran, declaring that a "whole civilization will die tonight" if Tehran does not agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday. The ultimatum came as US forces launched fresh attacks on Iran's primary oil export facility, intensifying military pressure on the Islamic Republic to end its blockade of the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass, has been effectively closed by Iranian forces for several days, sending energy prices soaring worldwide and triggering widespread economic concerns. Trump's deadline represents the most serious escalation in the conflict since hostilities began, with the president making clear that military action could expand dramatically if his demands are not met.
The latest US strikes targeted Iran's main oil export hub, dealing a significant blow to the country's ability to export petroleum products. Military officials confirmed the attacks were part of a coordinated campaign to pressure Iran into reopening the waterway, which has become a critical chokepoint in the global energy supply chain. The strikes represent a major escalation from previous limited military actions.
International observers expressed deep concern about the president's rhetoric and the potential for the conflict to spiral into a broader regional war. The midnight deadline has created intense pressure for diplomatic intervention, with several world leaders reportedly working behind the scenes to prevent further escalation. Energy markets continued to react volatilely to the developments, with oil prices remaining at elevated levels.
The Iranian government has not yet responded publicly to Trump's latest ultimatum, though sources suggest Tehran remains committed to its current position regarding the strait. The next several hours are being watched closely by international observers, who fear that failure to reach an agreement could lead to the most significant military confrontation in the Middle East in decades. The stakes have never been higher as both sides appear to be preparing for the possibility that diplomatic solutions may fail.
Originally reported by NYT.