Trump’s Hormuz ultimatum nears – with little indication Iran is on board
Trump’s Hormuz ultimatum nears – with little indication Iran is on board
Throughout the five-week campaign, President Donald Trump has imposed deadlines, levied demands, and delivered threats against Iran. Yet the clarity of these actions has reached a new level. The upcoming strikes are expected to be severe, commencing at 20:00 Washington DC time on Tuesday (00:00 GMT on Wednesday). Within four hours, Iran’s infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, could suffer extensive damage. “Very little is off-limits,” the president stated on Monday, signaling a firm stance.
To prevent this outcome, Trump has outlined a condition: Iran must agree to a deal that aligns with his expectations. Central to this proposal is ensuring “unimpeded oil passage” through the Strait of Hormuz. As the final hours approach, there’s minimal evidence suggesting Iran is prepared to accept this demand. They have dismissed a temporary pause in hostilities and presented their own set of conditions, which a US official labeled as “maximalist.”
This situation places Trump in a precarious position. If no agreement emerges, he may prolong his deadline for the fourth time in three weeks. However, retreating after such pointed warnings might weaken his image as the conflict intensifies. The president’s assertion that “we have won” during Monday’s press conference highlights his belief in military superiority. He argued that Iran’s only remaining tool was a psychological edge, leveraging drones, missiles, and mines to deter shipping in Hormuz.
Trump lauded the precision of recent operations, citing last year’s “Midnight Hammer” strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the January capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, and the weekend’s rescue mission. Despite the success of the latest operation, which involved orchestrating hundreds of aircraft and elite personnel, the effort was meant to prevent a “potential tragedy.” The rescue mission, though triumphant, revealed the vulnerabilities American forces still face in Iran.
While Trump insists on the nation’s military capability, he acknowledges limits. “We can bomb them into submission,” he remarked, “but closing Hormuz requires just one act of terror.” This suggests that the Strait’s control might hinge more on Iran’s strategic resilience than on US firepower. The president also expressed reluctance to escalate, noting that sustained strikes could lead to a prolonged rebuilding period for Iran. “Destroying their infrastructure now would take them 20 years to recover,” he said, contrasting that with a century-long reconstruction if the conflict continued.
Despite the high stakes, Trump remains optimistic. “They are actively seeking a deal,” he claimed, “and are open to negotiation.” His secrecy, however, has drawn attention. Refusing to reveal the full plan, he emphasized that “every detail has been considered.” This opacity may hint at progress behind closed doors or a blend of strategy and optimism. “They have until tomorrow,” he concluded. “We’ll see what happens. I believe they’re negotiating in good faith. I guess we’ll find out.”
