Clock ticks on Trump’s Iran ultimatum with little sign of breakthrough
Clock ticks on Trump’s Iran ultimatum with little sign of breakthrough
President Donald Trump has enforced deadlines, issued threats, and made demands during a five-week coordinated military campaign with Israel against Iran. Yet the level of clarity in his latest statements is notable. The upcoming strikes are expected to be intense, commencing at 20:00 Washington DC time on Tuesday (00:00 GMT Wednesday). By the fourth hour, Trump claims every bridge and power plant across Iran will be “decimated.” He emphasized that Iran must reach a deal “acceptable to me” to avoid this outcome. A key clause in the agreement would ensure “unimpeded oil traffic” through the Strait of Hormuz.
As the deadline nears, Iran shows no signs of yielding. They have dismissed a proposed temporary ceasefire and presented their own set of demands, described by a US official as “maximalist.” This leaves Trump in a precarious situation. If no agreement emerges, he might extend the deadline for the fourth time in three weeks. However, retreating after such pointed threats risks diminishing his authority as the conflict intensifies.
Very little is off-limits,” Trump said on Monday.
The president’s recent press conference highlighted his pride in American military precision. He cited last year’s “Midnight Hammer” strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January, and this weekend’s operation to rescue two downed airmen as proof of tactical mastery. Despite these successes, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that the mission averted a “potential tragedy.” The rescue, though effective, also revealed lingering vulnerabilities for US forces in the region.
Trump’s comments underscore a growing awareness of military limitations. “We can bomb the hell out of them,” he stated, but added that closing the Strait of Hormuz requires only “one terrorist.” While he hesitates to follow through with full-scale bombing, the stakes remain high. If Iran retaliates, the consequences could include a severe humanitarian crisis, with regional oil trade disruptions potentially crippling the country for decades.
Despite the tension, Trump maintains optimism. “We have an active, willing participant on the other side,” he said, suggesting Iran is open to negotiation. However, his reluctance to disclose the full plan has raised questions. The president insists “every single thing has been thought out,” but his opacity hints at either covert progress or a mix of strategic bluff and hopeful anticipation. “They have till tomorrow,” he concluded. “We’ll see what happens. I believe they’re negotiating in good faith. I guess we’ll find out.”
