Trump condemned over threat that Iran’s ‘civilisation will die’

Trump’s Warning Against Iran Draws Global Criticism

International leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and the Pope, criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his stark warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” unless Iran reached a deal to halt the conflict and clear the Strait of Hormuz. Guterres expressed concern over remarks implying civilian populations would suffer due to political and military actions. Pope Leo XIV called the threat “unacceptable,” emphasizing its severe implications.

As the midnight GMT deadline loomed, Pakistan, acting as a regional mediator, sought a two-week delay to enable more diplomatic engagement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted on X that ongoing negotiations in the Middle East were “progressing steadily, strongly, and powerfully,” with potential for significant outcomes. He urged Iran to “open the Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture.” The White House confirmed Trump had been informed of the proposal, pending a response.

Trump’s apocalyptic message, posted on Truth Social, aimed to intensify pressure on Iran to reopen the critical waterway. “A civilization’s destruction would occur tonight, never to be revived,” he wrote. “However, with complete regime change, maybe something revolutionary can emerge,” he added, suggesting a shift in leadership might lead to positive change. The president warned that U.S. forces could destroy all bridges and power plants in Iran within four hours if no agreement was reached.

Earlier, the U.S. and Israel escalated attacks on Iranian military sites. Strikes targeted Kharg Island’s oil terminal and eight railway bridges, according to U.S. forces. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the assaults were aimed at IRGC infrastructure, used to move personnel and supplies. Iranian officials reported casualties, including two deaths at a Kashan railway bridge and 18 killed in Alborz province. The Rafie-Nia synagogue in Tehran was also reportedly destroyed, with Israel expressing regret over the “collateral damage” and stating the target was a senior military commander.

In response, the IRGC vowed to retaliate beyond the region if “American forces cross red lines.” The group threatened to strike infrastructure to “cut off oil and gas supplies to the U.S. and its allies for years.” Meanwhile, Iranian authorities highlighted that over 14 million citizens had “registered to sacrifice their lives” for the country. Images from state media showed citizens forming human chains near key infrastructure, symbolizing their resolve. Vice-President JD Vance, though hopeful for a deal, hinted at potential military options, though the White House later clarified he was not referencing nuclear weapons.

“A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated the nation’s commitment to defense, underscoring public support for the military stance. The conflict’s intensity underscores the stakes for both sides, with global implications for energy supply and regional stability.