Trump condemned over threat that Iran’s ‘civilisation will die’

Trump Condemned Over Threat That Iran’s ‘Civilisation Will Die’

Global leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and Pope Leo XIV, criticized President Donald Trump’s warning to Iran that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” unless an agreement is reached to halt the war and clear the Strait of Hormuz. Guterres expressed “deep concern” about statements implying civilian populations would face the consequences of military actions. The Pope called the threats “unacceptable,” emphasizing their impact on people’s lives.

As the 00:00 GMT deadline neared, Pakistan, acting as a regional mediator, requested a two-week delay to facilitate additional diplomatic talks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on X that “diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully,” suggesting the possibility of significant outcomes soon. He urged Iran to “open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture.” The White House confirmed Trump had been informed of the proposal but did not yet provide a response.

“A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,”

Trump wrote on Truth Social. The president also warned that “complete and total regime change” could lead to a new era of progress, though he left the outcome uncertain. He claimed US forces could obliterate all bridges and power plants in Iran within four hours if a deal is not reached by the deadline.

The US and Israel escalated their strikes across Iran on Tuesday, targeting military sites like the Kharg Island oil terminal and eight railway bridges. Iran denied damage to its oil infrastructure, despite reports of casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that fighter jets had attacked railway tracks and bridges used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps to move personnel and supplies. Iranian officials confirmed strikes in Kashan and Karaj, resulting in two deaths, while Alborz province reported 18 fatalities.

Iranian state media showcased images of citizens forming human chains near critical infrastructure, symbolizing unity against potential attacks. The IRGC vowed to retaliate beyond the region if the US crosses “red lines,” threatening to target facilities to disrupt oil and gas supplies for years. Earlier, the president claimed over 14 million Iranians had signed up to sacrifice their lives for the country, underscoring the stakes of the conflict.