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 President Donald Trump’s warning against Iran, with the deadline set for Tuesday evening. The threat to dismantle key civilian infrastructure has sparked debate among military strategists and analysts. While the president aims to apply pressure, experts argue that the scope of his demands may exceed immediate capabilities.
Military Challenges
Experts suggest Trump’s promise to obliterate all bridges and power stations in Iran within hours might be difficult to execute. The vast size of the country, comparable to a third of the continental US, complicates rapid targeting. Although the US has precise knowledge of Iran’s main nuclear facilities, identifying and destroying thousands of other targets in such a short timeframe remains a challenge, according to specialists.
“Meeting this threat literally would be an absolute herculean task. And would it have the desired strategic effect?”
The former senior US defence official, who requested anonymity, highlighted the logistical hurdles. Trump’s escalating rhetoric, from bridges to “a whole civilisation will die,” has been seen as an attempt to push the Iranian regime toward a quicker compromise.
Pakistan’s Role
Amid ongoing talks, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for a two-week extension of the deadline. In a post on X, he urged Trump to grant more time for negotiations, suggesting Iran reciprocate by opening the Strait of Hormuz for the same duration. Pakistan has positioned itself as a critical mediator between the US and Iran, with Islamabad considered a potential hub for high-level discussions if a ceasefire seems near.
Recent Military Actions
Earlier on Tuesday, Vice-President JD Vance confirmed airstrikes on Kharg Island, a vital hub for Iran’s oil exports. The strikes, which handle about 90% of the nation’s exports, did not signal a shift in Trump’s overall strategy. Vance emphasized that negotiations would continue until the deadline, but the US retained the option to impose “much greater pain” on Iran’s economy.
“So they’ve got to know, we’ve got tools in our toolkit that we so far haven’t decided to use. The president of the United States can decide to use them, and he will decide to use them, if the Iranians don’t change their course of conduct.”
Strategic Impact
Analysts note that a concentrated assault on Iran’s power sector is more achievable than wiping out every bridge. The majority of the country’s power plants and refineries are located in three coastal provinces—Bushehr, Khuzestan, and Hormozgan—along the Persian Gulf. Targeting these areas could severely disrupt Iran’s oil revenue and its access to critical maritime routes.
Meanwhile, the White House downplayed reports of a potential nuclear strike, stating Trump’s focus remains on diplomatic efforts. As the clock winds down, the outcome of these talks will determine the next steps in the standoff between the US and Iran.
