What the US military could do if Iran fails to meet Trump’s ultimatum
What the US military could do if Iran fails to meet Trump’s ultimatum
Time is running out for Iran as President Donald Trump issues a bold warning
President Donald Trump has set a deadline for Iran to reach a deal by Tuesday evening, threatening to cripple its civilian infrastructure if it doesn’t comply. However, military analysts argue that the scope of this threat may be too ambitious for immediate execution. They note that the US military cannot realistically destroy every bridge and power station in Iran within a short timeframe, as Trump has suggested.
Strategic Impact of Targeting Key Infrastructure
Experts highlight that while targeting Iran’s critical infrastructure could be a significant move, the scale of destruction promised by Trump is unlikely to compel the regime to accept a ceasefire quickly. A former senior US defense official emphasized the logistical challenges, stating that such an action would require an extraordinary effort. The official questioned whether the threat would achieve the intended strategic outcome, suggesting Trump might be searching for a more impactful message.
“To meet this threat literally would be an absolute herculean task. And would it have the desired strategic effect?”
Additionally, the US military can focus on high-priority sites like power plants and refineries, which are concentrated in three Gulf provinces—Bushehr, Khuzestan, and Hormozgan. These areas are vital for Iran’s energy production and oil exports. Miad Maleki, a former senior US Treasury official, explained that striking these regions could severely disrupt the regime’s economic lifelines.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role and US Response
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposed extending Trump’s deadline by two weeks, aiming to provide more time for negotiations. He urged Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz for a similar duration as a gesture of goodwill. The White House acknowledged the suggestion, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt indicating a response would follow soon.
Recent Airstrikes and Escalation
Earlier on Tuesday, Vice-President JD Vance confirmed that the US had conducted airstrikes on military facilities in Kharg Island, a crucial location for Iran’s oil exports. The strikes, which handle about 90% of the country’s oil shipments, were not seen as a shift in strategy but rather as a demonstration of US capability. Vance warned that additional measures could further strain Iran’s economy.
The White House clarified that these actions did not signal a nuclear strike against Iran. Despite this, some civilian structures have already been hit, as reported by Iranian state media, which claimed US-Israeli forces targeted a bridge in Qo. The situation remains tense as the deadline approaches, with both sides preparing for potential escalation.
