Arabic version: ترامب يصدر تحذيرًا خطيرًا لإيران بشأن مضيق هرمز

President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States will destroy Iranian “civilisation” if Tehran does not open the Strait of Hormuz and submit to his terms. About 12 hours before the Tuesday night deadline he set for Iranian authorities, Trump shared a social media post threatening to irreversibly obliterate Iran. According to Al Jazeera, Trump stated, “A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

This threat is part of a series of warnings issued by Trump over the past two weeks, in which he has indicated plans to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power stations, should his demands remain unmet. Legal experts have condemned these threats, suggesting that such actions could constitute war crimes. Yasmine Taeb, legislative and political director for the advocacy group MPower Change Action Fund, described Trump’s rhetoric as “horrific” and called for a stronger response from lawmakers and the international community.

The backdrop to these threats is the ongoing conflict that began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched an offensive against Iran, resulting in significant casualties, including the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Despite the ongoing violence, the Iranian government has maintained its authority, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leading the military response. Iran has retaliated with attacks against US and Israeli assets in the region, further escalating tensions.

Trump has claimed that the US has achieved “regime change” in Iran, although Iranian officials continue to assert their defiance. On the same day he issued his threat, Trump hinted at the possibility of a diplomatic resolution, stating, “maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen.” As the deadline approaches, both nations remain poised for further military action amidst an already volatile situation.