Clock ticks on Trump’s Iran ultimatum with little sign of breakthrough
Clock ticks on Trump’s Iran ultimatum with little sign of breakthrough
President Donald Trump has been issuing deadlines, demanding concessions, and warning of severe consequences during the joint US-Israeli campaign against Iran, which has spanned five weeks. Yet, the clarity of his approach has never been more pronounced. The latest wave of attacks is expected to be intense, with strikes launching at 20:00 ET on Tuesday (00:00 GMT on Wednesday). Within four hours, Iran’s bridges and power plants could face significant damage, as per Trump’s assertion. “Very little is off-limits,” he declared on Monday, emphasizing the need for an agreement “acceptable to me.” A key element of this deal would involve securing “free movement of oil” through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint.
The Iranian Stance and Trump’s Dilemma
As the final hours pass, Iran remains unmoved, rejecting a temporary ceasefire and presenting its own set of demands. A US official characterized these as “maximalist,” suggesting they could complicate negotiations further. Trump now faces a precarious balancing act: extending his deadline for the fourth time in three weeks or withdrawing after precise, forceful statements. His threats, punctuated by expletives and dire warnings, risk eroding his authority if no resolution emerges. Critics argue that Iran’s ability to deter oil traffic via drones, missiles, and mines might outweigh US military dominance, a point Trump appears reluctant to concede.
“We have an active, willing participant on the other side,” Trump stated. “They would like to be able to make a deal. I can’t say any more than that.”
Military Precision and Strategic Uncertainty
During Monday’s press conference, Trump highlighted the precision of recent operations, including last year’s “Midnight Hammer” strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities and this weekend’s daring rescue of two US airmen trapped in Iran. These efforts showcased coordination of hundreds of aircraft and elite forces, alongside clever tactics and technology. Yet, even with success, the mission underscored the risks US forces still face in Iran. Trump acknowledged this, noting, “We can bomb the hell out of them. We can knock them for a loop. But to close the Strait, all you need is one terrorist.”
“We won,” Trump insisted. “They are militarily defeated. The only thing they have is the psychology of: ‘Oh, we’re going to drop a couple of mines in the water’.”
The president also expressed concerns about the long-term implications of his actions. “Do I want to destroy their infrastructure? No,” he said. “Right now, if we leave today, it will take them 20 years to rebuild their country.” He further warned that a full-scale strike could extend the recovery period to a century. While not painting a “stone age” scenario, Trump hinted at a potential humanitarian crisis, including Iran’s promised “crushing” retaliation, which could ripple across the region. Despite the high stakes, he clung to optimism, insisting, “They have till tomorrow. We’ll see what happens. I believe they’re negotiating in good faith.”
Behind the Scenes: Hidden Agreements or Strategic Bluff?
Trump’s reluctance to reveal his full plan has drawn attention. “Every single thing has been thought out by all of us,” he claimed, but the opacity raises questions. Is the progress in talks more advanced than publicized, or is it a mix of bluff and hope? As the deadline approaches, the outcome hinges on whether Iran can shift its position or if the US will press ahead with its escalating campaign.
