What the US military could do if Iran fails to meet Trump’s ultimatum
Time Running Out for Trump’s Warning to Iran
President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning, stating that the US military could dismantle much of Iran’s civilian infrastructure by Tuesday evening if a deal isn’t finalized. However, military specialists and analysts argue that Trump’s threat places him in a precarious position, as the US military lacks the capability to execute such a sweeping strike in a single operation. The urgency of the deadline has sparked debates about the practicality of the threat and its potential impact on Iran’s leadership.
Feasibility of a Rapid Strike
While the US possesses precise knowledge of Iran’s main nuclear facilities and critical infrastructure, experts note that it’s improbable to neutralize thousands of civilian targets across the country within a few hours. Iran’s vast territory, roughly a third the size of the continental US, presents logistical challenges. “Meeting this threat would require an almost superhuman effort,” remarked a former senior US defence official, who chose anonymity. “Trump seems to be searching for a new level of intensity to shift the strategic balance in favor of the US.”
Legal Implications of the Threat
Targeting civilian infrastructure could classify as a war crime, according to international law experts. Some analysts even suggest that Trump’s promise to erase “every bridge” and power station might imply incitement of genocide, given the potential for widespread civilian casualties. Despite these concerns, Trump downplayed the issue during a Monday press conference, asserting that the threat remains valid regardless of legal scrutiny.
Pakistan’s Role in Mediation
On Tuesday afternoon, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for a two-week extension of Trump’s deadline, emphasizing the need for diplomatic flexibility. “I urge President Trump to grant additional time for negotiations,” Sharif stated in an X post. “In return, Iran should open the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks as a gesture of goodwill.” Pakistan has positioned itself as a crucial mediator between the US and Iran, with potential high-level discussions planned in the country should a ceasefire seem imminent.
Airstrikes on Kharg Island
Earlier on Tuesday, Vice-President JD Vance confirmed that the US had launched airstrikes on military sites on Kharg Island, a vital hub for Iran’s oil exports. The strikes, which handle approximately 90% of the nation’s oil shipments, were described as part of ongoing operations rather than a strategic shift. “Negotiations will continue until the deadline, but the US retains tools to impose more economic pressure,” Vance explained to reporters in Budapest. The White House clarified that these actions did not signal a nuclear strike against Iran, as some media had speculated.
