Trump's Ultimatum to Iran: A Countdown to Potential Conflict?

Escalating Tensions Between the US and Iran

Tehran: President Donald Trump has intensified his threats against Iran, targeting all power plants and bridges as the deadline for a deal approaches. This escalation follows Iran's rejection of a proposed 45-day ceasefire, with Tehran demanding a permanent resolution to the conflict.

Trump warned, "The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night." He emphasized that his ultimatum, set for Tuesday at 8 p.m. EDT, is non-negotiable, claiming he has already granted Iran sufficient extensions.

The US has demanded that Iran allow all shipping traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz or face the destruction of its infrastructure, raising alarms about potential war crimes.

In a show of force, Israel has attacked a significant petrochemical facility and eliminated the intelligence chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

In response to the escalating situation, Iran has communicated a 10-point plan for peace through Pakistan, a crucial mediator, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, Iran's diplomatic envoy in Cairo, stated, "We will only accept a ceasefire if we are guaranteed that we will not be attacked again," expressing distrust towards the Trump administration after previous bombings during negotiations.

Despite the tensions, a regional official involved in the discussions indicated that talks are ongoing, stating, "We are still in communication with both parties," while Trump himself acknowledged that negotiations with Iran are still in progress.

Reports of renewed airstrikes on Tehran emerged early Tuesday, with Israel claiming responsibility but withholding specific details about the targets.

In a separate development, Japan announced the release of a national detained in Iran since January, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirming the release and stating that Japan is seeking a complete release from Iranian authorities. The individual is believed to be a journalist for NHK public television.

Trump's Stance on Iranian Suffering

Trump has previously issued ultimatums to Iran but has often found ways to retract them. However, he has been more explicit this time about his intentions.

"Every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o'clock tomorrow night," he declared, adding that all power plants would be "burning, exploding, and never to be used again."

When questioned about potential war crime accusations, Trump dismissed the concerns, stating, "No, not at all." He suggested that the Iranian populace might welcome US intervention as a means to overthrow their current leadership.

He remarked that Iranians are "willing to suffer" for their freedom, although there has been no visible uprising as citizens endure the ongoing bombardment.

International voices have raised alarms regarding the potential for expanded strikes. A UN spokesperson stated, "Any attack on civilian infrastructure is a violation of international law and a very clear one."

Mediators from Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey have proposed a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to both Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, as reported by two Middle Eastern officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Additionally, Iranian and Omani officials are collaborating on a framework for managing the Strait, a critical route for global oil shipments during peacetime. Iran's control over this passage has significant implications for the global economy.

Tehran has refused to allow US and Israeli vessels to pass since the conflict began on February 28.

Israel's Military Actions

Israel has targeted a key petrochemical facility in the South Pars natural gas field, aiming to disrupt a major revenue source for Iran. This field, the largest in the world, is shared with Qatar and serves as Iran's primary energy source for its 93 million citizens.

This strike appears to be distinct from Trump's threats. An earlier Israeli attack in March prompted Iran to retaliate against energy infrastructure in other Middle Eastern nations, marking a significant escalation.

Israel has also reportedly killed the head of intelligence for Iran's Revolutionary Guard, Maj. Gen. Majid Khademi, and the leader of the Revolutionary Guard's Qods Force undercover unit, Asghar Bakeri.

"We will continue to hunt them down one by one," stated Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz regarding top Iranian officials.

In a rare public statement, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei expressed condolences over Khademi's death. Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of numerous high-ranking Iranian leaders, including Khamenei's father.

Israel's military has also claimed responsibility for strikes on three airports in Tehran—Bahram, Mehrabad, and Azmayesh—targeting numerous helicopters and aircraft associated with the Iranian Air Force.

A resident of Tehran described the constant sounds of bombs and air defenses, speaking anonymously for safety reasons. Another individual mentioned relying on sleeping pills to cope with the nightly bombardments, expressing concerns about potential cuts to power, gas, and water supplies.

Casualties from Airstrikes

Smoke billowed near Tehran's Azadi Square following an airstrike that hit the grounds of Sharif University of Technology, which has faced sanctions from multiple countries due to its military collaborations, particularly concerning Iran's ballistic missile program.

Authorities and Iranian state media reported at least 29 fatalities across the nation due to the strikes.

In Lebanon, where Israel has conducted air attacks and a ground invasion targeting the Iran-affiliated Hezbollah militia, an airstrike struck an apartment in Ain Saadeh, a predominantly Christian area east of Beirut, resulting in the deaths of a local political figure, his wife, and another woman.

Since the onset of the conflict, over 1,900 individuals have lost their lives in Iran, although the government has not updated the casualty figures in recent days.

In Lebanon, more than 1,400 fatalities have been reported, with over 1 million people displaced. Eleven Israeli soldiers have also died in the conflict.

In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen casualties have been reported, while 23 individuals have died in Israel, along with 13 US service members.