Trump Threatens Iran With Nuclear Force; White House Issues Ambiguous Denial
Key Takeaways
- Trump's ultimatum: Iran must open the Strait of Hormuz or face targeted strikes by deadline.
- White House denies plans to use nuclear weapons against Iran.
- Trump warned of strikes on Iran's civilian infrastructure if no deal.
Nuclear Ambiguity
President Trump warned that a whole civilisation will die tonight if his demands were not met.
“White House Says Only President Trump Knows Next Move On Iran US-Iran War: US gives Iran seven-hour deadline to strike deal, saying “only Trump knows” next move; White House denies nuclear strike speculation amid rising tensions”
The White House sought to walk back the threat, with Leavitt saying only the President knows what he will do.
Vice President Vance suggested US forces might utilise options they so far haven’t decided to use.
Congressman Castro urged the president to make clear whether nuclear weapons were on the table.
Five-Hour Deadline
Trump set a five-hour deadline for Iran to agree to his terms or face strikes on key infrastructure.
A 45-day ceasefire plan was under negotiation through Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey.
The EU condemned any targeting of civilian infrastructure as illegal and unacceptable.
Iran’s IRGC warned it was ready to retaliate if attacked.
Global Reactions
The international community reacted with alarm to Trump's nuclear threat.
“What the US military could do if Iran fails to meet Trump's ultimatum The clock is ticking on President Donald Trump's threat to wipe out much of Iran's civilian infrastructure if the country doesn't strike a deal by Tuesday evening in the US”
India's Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned any rhetoric suggesting the end of civilisation.
The EU said any targeting of civilian infrastructure was illegal and unacceptable.
US-Israel strikes had a relatively limited effect on Iranian energy output.
Shifting Energy Dynamics
Iran's oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz recovered to over 450,000 barrels per day.
Despite the US-Israeli campaign, Iran continued international oil sales.
The World Food Programme warned supply chains in southern Iran were on the brink of collapse.
The scale of destruction was already outpacing what the administration had publicly acknowledged.
Unfolding Conflict
Netanyahu compared Iran to Nazi Germany.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards struck energy infrastructure in Dubai.
Both sides pressed claims of advantage as the situation remained fluid.
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