Trump condemned over threat that Iran’s ‘civilisation will die’
International Leaders Condemn Trump’s Threat Against Iran
Global leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and the Pope, have criticized Donald Trump’s declaration that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” unless Iran reaches an agreement to halt the conflict and clear the Strait of Hormuz. António Guterres expressed concern over remarks implying civilian populations would face the fallout of military decisions. Pope Leo XIV described the warning as “unacceptable,” highlighting its potential impact on everyday people.
Deadline Nears, Pakistan Calls for Extension
As the 00:00 GMT deadline loomed, mediator Pakistan urged Trump to grant a two-week delay, stating that diplomacy could still achieve significant progress. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that “diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the Middle East war are advancing steadily,” and proposed a two-week opening of the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture of goodwill.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump had received the extension request, though a response had not yet been given. The president had earlier warned Iran that failure to comply would result in the destruction of bridges and power plants, escalating tensions over the critical oil route.
Escalated Strikes and Iranian Response
The US and Israel intensified their attacks on Iran, targeting military sites and infrastructure. Strikes hit Kharg Island’s oil terminal and eight railway bridges, with Iran claiming its oil facilities remained intact. In retaliation, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched ballistic missiles toward Israel and reported hitting a ship in the Gulf and a Saudi petrochemical complex.
“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, framing the threat as a necessary measure to push for regime change. He added that “complete and total regime change” could lead to a “revolutionarily wonderful” outcome if Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz.
Casualties and Public Demonstrations
Iranian media reported casualties from strikes in Kashan and Karaj, near Tehran, with two deaths at a railway bridge and others in Alborz province. The Rafie-Nia synagogue in the capital was also destroyed, an event Israel described as “collateral damage” during an attack on a senior Iranian military commander.
Despite the strikes, Iranian officials stated over 14 million citizens had signed up to defend their country, showing resolve in the face of escalating threats. Dozens formed human chains around bridges and power plants, symbolizing their commitment to resisting US and Israeli actions.
Retaliation Promises and Regional Implications
The IRGC warned of broader retaliation if the US crossed its thresholds, vowing to strike key infrastructure to disrupt oil and gas supplies for years. This escalation follows recent military strikes by the US and Israel, which have raised fears of a wider regional conflict.
