Trump’s Hormuz ultimatum nears – with little indication Iran is on board
Trump’s Hormuz ultimatum nears – with little indication Iran is on board
President Donald Trump has imposed deadlines, made demands, and issued threats throughout a five-week joint US-Israeli campaign against Iran. Yet, the clarity of his latest message stands out. A renewed assault on Iran is poised to be intense, scheduled to begin at 20:00 Washington DC time on Tuesday (00:00 GMT on Wednesday). Within four hours, every bridge and power plant across the nation could be “decimated,” Trump declared on Monday. He insisted that Iran must agree to a deal “acceptable to me” to avert this scenario, with a key clause ensuring “unrestricted movement of oil” through the Strait of Hormuz.
As the final hours pass, Iran shows no signs of compliance with Trump’s ultimatum. They have dismissed a temporary ceasefire offer and presented their own set of demands, which a US official labeled “maximalist.” This leaves Trump in a precarious position. If no agreement emerges, he might extend his deadline for the fourth time in three weeks. However, retreating after such pointed threats risks eroding his standing as the conflict escalates.
“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.”
Trump’s Monday press conference highlighted recent military successes, including last year’s “Midnight Hammer” strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January, and this weekend’s operation to rescue two captured airmen. The rescue mission, involving hundreds of aircraft and elite forces, showcased tactical ingenuity. Yet, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted it aimed to prevent a “potential tragedy,” underscoring the risk of prolonged conflict.
Despite these achievements, Trump admitted that American military might has its boundaries. “We can bomb the hell out of them,” he said. “We can knock them for a loop. But to close the Strait, all you need is one terrorist.” This remark hints at the strategic leverage Iran holds through its ability to deter oil shipments with drones, missiles, and mines. The president’s reluctance to pursue full-scale attacks suggests a preference for diplomacy, even as the stakes grow.
Trump also acknowledged the public’s resilience to the ongoing campaign. “The Iranian people are willing to endure this,” he noted. “In fact, they welcome the bombs falling on their cities.” However, he warned that destruction without a deal could lead to a century-long rebuilding effort. “Right now, if we leave today, it will take them 20 years to rebuild their country,” he said. “If we bomb, it will take a century.” The implication is a potential humanitarian crisis, compounded by Iran’s promised retaliation.
With the clock ticking, Trump remains optimistic about a breakthrough. “Every single thing has been thought out by all of us,” he claimed. “We’ll see what happens.” His opacity, however, has raised questions. Whether negotiations are advancing or if the president is bluffing remains uncertain, leaving the world to watch as the ultimatum looms.
