Trump Threatens Four-Hour Demolition of Iran's Bridges and Power Plants
Key Takeaways
- Trump vows to destroy every bridge and power plant in Iran if no deal.
- Deadline set for 8 p.m. ET Tuesday; attacks could be launched within four hours.
- Threat tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz as part of a deal.
Countdown to Destruction
Trump promised a four-hour bombing campaign that would destroy every bridge and power plant in Iran if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened by 8 p.m. ET Tuesday.
“'Complete demolition': Trump outlines 4-hour attack plan if Iran deal isn't reached by 8 p”
He told reporters the entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night.
Trump detailed the plan for complete demolition by 12 o'clock.
Iran rejected a Pakistan-proposed ceasefire citing the need for a permanent end to the war.
The targeting of civilian infrastructure sparked warnings that such strikes could constitute war crimes.
Legal and Moral Backlash
Experts rushed to condemn Trump's threats as potentially illegal under international law.
Democrats in Congress, UN officials, and scholars said such strikes would violate international law.
A UN spokeswoman warned that attacking infrastructure is banned under international law.
A retired US Air Force judge advocate general noted that civilians are likely to die if power is cut to hospitals.
Trump dismissed war crime concerns, saying having a nuclear weapon is the real war crime.
Mixed Signals Amid Ongoing Talks
Diplomats continued efforts to secure a ceasefire despite Trump's looming deadline.
Trump called Iran's counteroffer a significant step but not good enough.
Iran rejected the Pakistan-proposed ceasefire citing a need for a permanent end to the war.
The Pentagon warned the heaviest strikes would take place before the deadline.
Supermarket shelves were beginning to empty in the NJ-PA-NY region.
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