Trump condemned over threat that Iran’s ‘civilisation will die’
Trump Condemned for Threat of ‘Civilisation’s Demise’
UN Secretary General António Guterres and Pope Leo XIV expressed disapproval of US President Donald Trump’s warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” unless Iran accepts a deal to halt the conflict and clear the Strait of Hormuz. Guterres highlighted concerns that civilian populations would face repercussions from political and military actions. The Pope deemed such threats “unacceptable,” emphasizing their impact on ordinary people.
Diplomatic Extension Request
As the 00:00 GMT deadline approached, Pakistan, acting as a regional mediator, proposed extending the timeframe by two weeks to allow more time for negotiations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on X that diplomatic efforts for resolving the Middle East war were “progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully,” with potential for significant outcomes soon. He urged Iran to “open the Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks” as a gesture of goodwill.
Strikes and Retaliatory Actions
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched ballistic missiles toward Israel on Tuesday, asserting they had damaged a vessel in the Gulf and targeted a Saudi petrochemical complex. The US and Israel intensified attacks on Iranian military sites, including the Kharg Island oil terminal and eight bridges. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump had received the extension request but noted a response was pending.
Apocalyptic Warning and Threats
“A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,”
Trump declared on Truth Social, escalating pressure on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He added that if no deal emerged, US forces could “destroy every bridge and power plant in Iran within four hours.” Vice-President JD Vance acknowledged hopes for a resolution but hinted at readiness to employ additional measures, though the White House later clarified nuclear weapons were not implied.
Casualties and Public Response
Iranian officials reported casualties from strikes, including two deaths at a Kashan railway bridge and 18 fatalities in Alborz province. The Rafie-Nia synagogue in Tehran was also destroyed, with Israel citing “collateral damage” from targeting an Iranian military commander. Meanwhile, Iranian state media shared images of citizens forming human chains near critical infrastructure, symbolizing resistance to the threats.
Leadership Statements and Future Intentions
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted public resolve, stating over 14 million Iranians had “registered to sacrifice their lives” in defense of the nation. The IRGC vowed to retaliate beyond the region if the US crosses “red lines,” threatening to disrupt oil and gas supply for years by targeting key infrastructure. The standoff continues as both sides prepare for potential escalation.
