Clock ticks on Trump’s Iran ultimatum with little sign of breakthrough
Over the past five weeks, President Donald Trump has imposed deadlines, made demands, and issued threats as part of the US-Israeli campaign against Iran. The latest escalation appears more direct than previous actions, with the president emphasizing that Iran must meet his terms or face severe consequences. The upcoming strikes on Iran are set to be highly destructive, targeting critical infrastructure within hours of the operation’s start.
According to Trump, the nation’s bridges and power plants will be “decimated” by Tuesday evening in Washington DC time (Wednesday at midnight GMT). This stark warning underscores his insistence that Iran must accept a deal “acceptable to me,” including unimpeded oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the urgency, Iran has shown no readiness to concede, rejecting a temporary ceasefire and presenting its own list of demands, labeled “maximalist” by US officials.
“Very little is off-limits,” Trump said on Monday.
With the clock running down, Trump finds himself in a precarious position. If no agreement emerges, he may extend his deadline for the fourth time in three weeks, risking perceptions of indecision. Yet, backing off after such explicit threats—marked by expletives and dire warnings—could weaken his standing as the conflict intensifies.
During Monday’s press conference, Trump highlighted recent military successes, including last year’s “Midnight Hammer” raid on Iran’s nuclear facilities and this weekend’s rescue of two downed airmen. The operation showcased coordination among hundreds of aircraft and elite troops, alongside strategic misdirection and advanced technology. However, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the mission averted a “potential tragedy,” hinting at the underlying risks.
“We won,” Trump insisted during his press conference on Monday afternoon. “They are militarily defeated. The only thing they have is the psychology of: ‘Oh, we’re going to drop a couple of mines in the water’.”
Trump’s assertion of victory contrasts with his admission that Iran’s psychological leverage—its ability to deter oil tankers via drones, missiles, and mines—may be a more enduring asset than the US’s military might. While celebrating precision in strikes, he acknowledged that closing the Strait of Hormuz requires only a single terrorist act, a point that challenges the notion of American dominance.
The president’s reluctance to fully commit to bombing remains evident. On Monday, he reiterated that the strikes were a “course he did not want to pursue,” despite the potential for a prolonged humanitarian crisis. Iran’s promised retaliation could lead to a regional disaster, though Trump framed it as a temporary setback rather than a long-term devastation.
Amid the standoff, Trump maintains hope for a resolution. “We have an active, willing participant on the other side,” he said, noting that Iran is eager to negotiate. Yet, his reluctance to share specifics about the plan raises questions. The president claimed “every single thing has been thought out by all of us,” but the secrecy suggests ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts or a blend of confidence and calculation.
As the deadline approaches, the outcome hinges on whether Iran can sway Trump’s stance or if the ultimatum will force a decisive confrontation. The stakes remain high, and the final hours could determine the trajectory of the conflict.
