President Donald Trump Warns “Whole Civilisation Will Die Tonight” as Strait of Hormuz Deadline Looms

President Donald Trump has warned that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” unless Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz, setting a 20:00 EDT Tuesday (00:00 GMT Wednesday) deadline.

In recent weeks, US forces have increased attacks on Iranian infrastructure, targeting Kharg Island, the country’s main oil export terminal, and key petrochemical facilities. Israel has also carried out strikes on industrial sites and advised its citizens to avoid train travel. 

Human rights groups estimate that more than 3,500 people have been killed since the campaign began, including over 1,600 civilians. Iran has rejected the US ceasefire proposal and submitted its own set of conditions. 

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that it had previously limited its retaliatory actions but would now lift those restrictions. The IRGC warned that further escalation could extend beyond the region, targeting US and allied infrastructure and potentially disrupting oil and gas supplies for years.

The Strait of Hormuz remains the central issue. Iran regards its ability to block oil shipments as a key bargaining tool, while the US insists on ensuring free passage. Trump has demanded that Iran guarantee “free traffic of oil” and threatened to strike bridges, power plants, and other civilian infrastructure within hours of the deadline.

Despite these threats, Trump has indicated he might extend the deadline, as he has done three times before. Analysts warn that repeated delays could weaken his credibility, particularly as Iran’s ideological resilience and willingness to endure hardship have complicated US efforts to force concessions.

Trump has highlighted recent military operations, including the rescue of two downed US airmen in Iran, as demonstrations of American precision and strength. At the same time, he acknowledged the limitations of military action, noting that “to close the Strait, all you need is one terrorist.”

The humanitarian impact of further conflict would be severe. Trump has admitted that damage to Iranian infrastructure could take decades, possibly up to a century, to repair. Gulf states, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, are preparing for possible Iranian retaliation if US strikes go ahead.