"We have a plan, based on US military strength, in which all bridges in Iran will be destroyed before midnight tomorrow. All power plants in Iran will cease operation, burn, explode, and never be able to function again. I mean complete destruction before midnight; we could do it in just 4 hours if we wanted to," President Donald Trump stated at a press conference on 6/4.

The US leader also warned of "complete elimination" for Iran if the country did not meet his deadline for opening the Strait of Hormuz. "That entire country could be wiped out in one night. That night could be tomorrow night," he declared.

President Donald Trump holds a press conference on the Iran conflict at the White House on 6/4. *Photo: AP*

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command, the "supreme headquarters" of Iran's armed forces, announced on the same day that Trump's "baseless threats" would not affect the morale or operations of its soldiers. "Iran continues overwhelming offensive operations against its US and Israeli enemies," a spokesperson for the agency said.

Iran has almost blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime artery transporting 20% of global oil supply, since the US and Israel began a coordinated attack operation on 28/2.

President Trump on 4/4 gave Iran 48 hours to reach an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or face infrastructure devastation. He later extended the deadline to before 8 p.m. on 7/4 (7 a.m. on 8/4 Hanoi time). Iranian officials rejected the ultimatum, warning that "any reckless action" by the US would plunge the entire region "into a sea of fire".

Location of the Strait of Hormuz. *Graphic: Guardian*

Iranian state media on 6/4 reported that the country had submitted its response to the US proposal for ending hostilities through Pakistan, which acted as a mediator. Iran's proposed ceasefire included 10 terms, with Tehran rejecting a temporary ceasefire in favor of a long-term end to the conflict and respect for Iran's interests.

Tehran also presented additional demands: ending regional conflicts, establishing a mechanism to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and rebuilding and lifting sanctions against Iran.

President Trump noted that Iran's ceasefire proposal was noteworthy but "not good enough" and failed to meet his demands, though he did not specify which ones.

Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)