US President Donald Trump issued a dire warning today, stating that "a whole civilization will perish tonight, never to recover. I don't want that to happen, but perhaps it will". The statement was posted on Truth Social just hours before his ultimatum to Iran is set to expire, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The ultimatum, which expires at 8:00 PM on 7/4 (7:00 AM on 8/4 Hanoi time), threatens the destruction of Iran's civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, if the vital waterway remains closed. This follows an escalation of tensions between the US and Iran.
Despite the looming deadline, President Trump also suggested the possibility of a last-minute agreement. "Now, with a complete regime change, where different, more insightful, and less extreme minds prevail, perhaps something revolutionary can happen. Who knows? We will know tonight, one of the most important moments in world history", he added, hinting at a potential shift in the situation.
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US President Donald Trump speaks about the conflict in Iran at the White House on 6/4. Photo: *AFP* |
US Vice President JD Vance, speaking at a press conference in Budapest, Hungary on 7/4, acknowledged the urgency of the situation. He stated that "many negotiations" are expected before the deadline. "There are about 12 hours left until the deadline, we will know the outcome. From now until then there will be many negotiations, I hope for a positive resolution", Vance commented.
Adding to the volatile situation, Iranian media reported on 7/4 that the US had launched airstrikes on Kharg Island, a critical oil lifeline for Iran, targeting important oil export ports. Vice President Vance confirmed the airstrike but clarified that US forces only attacked military targets. Vance maintained that this development would not alter the deadline set by President Trump.
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Location of the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: *Guardian* |
Iranian officials had previously rejected Trump's ultimatum, issuing a stern warning that "any reckless action" by the US would plunge the entire region "into a sea of fire". Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps further declared that if Washington crossed the line, it would retaliate beyond the Middle East, potentially disrupting the region's oil and gas supplies for the US and its allies.
The Strait of Hormuz, a maritime lifeline for 20% of global oil supply, has been almost paralyzed since conflicts between the US - Israel and Iran erupted in late February. Currently, approximately 1,000 ships are stranded in the Gulf due to the ongoing hostilities.
Huyen Le (According to *AFP*, *CNN*)
