US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning amid escalating tensions, as the United States and Israel launched fresh strikes on Iranian infrastructure ahead of a key deadline linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump's warning amid strikes
Taking to Truth Social, Trump said, "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will.
We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!"
The remarks came hours after coordinated strikes targeted key infrastructure and energy facilities in Iran. Among the sites hit was Kharg Island, a major oil hub in the Persian Gulf that handles a significant portion of Iran's oil exports.
In another post, Trump added, "Now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail…We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end."
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Targets and casualties reported
Reports indicate that the strikes hit multiple locations, including bridges, highways and residential areas. A residential building in Shahriar city was also struck, leading to casualties and injuries.
Following the operation, the Israeli military said it had completed a wave of attacks on infrastructure sites.
Deadlines and mounting pressure
The latest developments follow repeated deadlines issued by Trump, urging Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe consequences.
Earlier deadlines had been extended multiple times, with the final deadline set for Tuesday evening. Trump had warned of large-scale destruction, stating, "They'll have no bridges. They'll have no power plants. They'll have no anything."
Iran's response and rising tensions
Iran has rejected the US ceasefire proposal and demanded guarantees and compensation before entering negotiations.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of a wider response, stating, "Our response will go beyond the region."
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Meanwhile, President Masoud Pezeshkian said, "More than 14 million proud Iranians have so far registered to sacrifice their lives to defend Iran. I too have been, am, and will remain devoted to giving my life for Iran."
Iranian officials also urged citizens to form human chains around key infrastructure, while diplomatic channels have reportedly been frozen.
