Donald Trump has issued a stark warning, stating that the fate of an entire civilization hangs in the balance if Iran does not agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by the specified deadline. Through a message on Truth Social, the former US president emphasized the need for a “Complete and Total Regime Change,” indicating that the world would witness a pivotal moment that could shape history significantly. Trump has set a deadline of Tuesday at 8 pm ET for Iran to comply with the demand to reopen the crucial strait.
In his statement on Truth Social, Trump expressed concerns about the irreversible consequences, stating, “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.” Despite acknowledging the potential grim outcome, he hinted at the possibility of positive change with a new regime in place. Trump emphasized the importance of the current moment, highlighting it as a critical juncture in global history where a shift towards a more favorable future might occur.
Trump’s rhetoric intensified as he threatened Iran with forceful actions if the demand regarding the strait was not met. He vowed to target Iran’s power plants and civilian infrastructure, making explicit threats of destruction that could violate international law. Subsequently, he escalated the threats by mentioning the possibility of “complete demolition” of Iranian infrastructure and the capability of the US to swiftly incapacitate Iran.
Reports emerged on Tuesday afternoon indicating a potential strike by the US on Iran’s Kharg Island, leading to a surge in oil prices. The price of US crude surged over 3%, reaching nearly $116 per barrel, while Brent crude surpassed $110 per barrel. Kharg Island, a crucial hub for processing around 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports, plays a vital role in connecting the country’s oil resources to the global market. The island’s strategic significance was underscored during the Iran-Iraq War due to its economic importance and substantial storage and transportation capacity for crude oil.