Trump's Deadline for Iran War Nears as Tensions Escalate
U.S. President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Iran to end the war is ticking closer, with an expanded threat of strikes against Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges. The deadline, set for Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST, demands the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.
Iran Rejects Ceasefire and Issues Counter-Threats
Iran has firmly rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal, stating it seeks a permanent end to the conflict. In response, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard warned that if Trump carries out his threats, it would "deprive the U.S. and its allies of the region's oil and gas for years." The Guard also issued a new threat to Gulf Arab states, indicating that previous restraints in choosing retaliatory targets have been removed.
New Attacks and Casualties Reported
Early Tuesday, Israel conducted a new wave of attacks, while Iran responded with missile strikes against Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbors. In a separate incident, gunfire erupted outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, resulting in two deaths, one arrest, and an injured police officer. Additionally, an airstrike targeting Iran's Alborz province, northwest of Tehran, killed at least 18 people and wounded 24 others, according to the judiciary's Mizan news agency.
International Calls for De-escalation
As the deadline approaches, Pakistan and Egypt have urged de-escalation. Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the need for dialogue and agreed to remain engaged as the situation evolves. Pakistan has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts to bring the U.S. and Iran to the negotiating table.
Trump's Stance on War Crimes
President Trump stated on Monday that he is "not at all" concerned about committing possible war crimes as he reiterated his threat to destroy Iranian infrastructure if his demands are not met. This comes amid ongoing airstrikes in Tehran, including attacks on possible weapons depots and residential areas, as part of Israel's campaign targeting top officials in Iran's theocracy and military.
