Clock ticks on Trump’s Iran ultimatum with little sign of breakthrough

Clock ticks on Trump’s Iran ultimatum with little sign of breakthrough

Over the past five weeks, President Donald Trump has imposed deadlines, asserted demands, and issued warnings during the combined US-Israeli campaign against Iran. The latest phase of attacks on the nation is expected to be intense, with a specific timeline set for Tuesday at 20:00 Washington DC time (00:00 GMT on Wednesday). Within four hours, Trump insists every bridge and power plant will be “decimated” if Iran does not comply. He emphasized that “very little is off-limits” in his approach, requiring a deal “acceptable to me” to prevent further strikes. A critical element of this agreement, he stated, would ensure “free traffic of oil” through the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the escalating pressure, Iran has shown no indication of yielding to Trump’s demands. The country rejected a proposed temporary ceasefire and presented its own list of conditions, which a US official called “maximalist.” This stance leaves the American president in a precarious situation. If no resolution emerges, Trump may extend his deadline for the fourth time in three weeks. However, retreating after such pointed threats could diminish his authority as the conflict intensifies.

“We have an active, willing participant on the other side,” Trump said. “They would like to be able to make a deal. I can’t say any more than that.”

During Monday’s press conference, Trump highlighted the precision of US military operations, citing last year’s “Midnight Hammer” strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January, and this weekend’s complex rescue mission of two downed airmen. The operation, involving hundreds of aircraft and elite forces, showcased strategic misdirection and advanced technology. Yet, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth admitted it was designed to prevent a “potential tragedy,” underscoring the risks still faced by American troops in Iran.

Trump’s recent remarks reveal a nuanced perspective on military strength. While he claimed victory, stating that Iran is “militarily defeated,” he acknowledged the psychological edge Iran retains. The nation’s ability to disrupt oil tankers via drones, missiles, and mines could be a more formidable asset than US forces have recognized. “We can bomb the hell out of them,” Trump noted. “We can knock them for a loop. But to close the Strait, all you need is one terrorist.”

As the deadline looms, Trump continues to express cautious optimism. He warned that destruction of Iran’s infrastructure would require years to rebuild, with the country needing “20 years” to recover if the campaign persists. However, a full-scale assault might stretch the rebuilding process to a century. Though not “stone age” conditions, the threat of a crushing Iranian retaliation could trigger a severe humanitarian crisis. Trump’s reluctance to commit to further strikes, despite his earlier rhetoric, highlights the uncertainty surrounding the outcome.