What the US military could do if Iran fails to meet Trump’s ultimatum
What the US Military Could Do If Iran Fails to Meet Trump’s Ultimatum
Time is running out for Iran as President Donald Trump insists on a deadline for a deal, threatening to dismantle key civilian structures if an agreement isn’t reached by Tuesday evening. However, military specialists and analysts suggest Trump’s escalating warnings may place the US in a precarious position, as the armed forces can’t execute such an extensive strike in a short timeframe. They caution that even a massive attack might not compel the Iranian government to swiftly accept a ceasefire.
The Military’s Challenge
Trump’s pledge to obliterate “every bridge” and power station in Iran within four hours has drawn skepticism from experts. Iran spans roughly one-third the size of the continental US, making it logistically difficult to target all infrastructure in such a brief window. While the US has precise knowledge of Iran’s nuclear sites and critical facilities, identifying and destroying thousands of other targets across the nation is a complex task. A former senior US defence official, speaking anonymously, questioned whether the threat could realistically achieve its intended effect.
“To meet this threat literally would be an absolute herculean task. And would it have the desired strategic effect?”
Threats and Strategic Impact
Trump’s rhetoric escalated from Monday to Tuesday, with his threat of eradicating Iranian infrastructure evolving into a declaration that “a whole civilization will die” if no deal is struck. This marks an unusual level of escalation from a US president. International law experts argue that targeting civilian infrastructure could qualify as a war crime, yet Trump brushed aside such concerns during a press briefing. The focus remains on Iran’s ability to withstand the economic and logistical blow of such a strike.
Pakistan’s Role in the Talks
As negotiations progressed, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stepped in, proposing to extend Trump’s deadline by two weeks. In a message on X, he urged the US to grant additional time, while asking Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture of goodwill. Islamabad has become a crucial intermediary between Washington and Tehran, possibly serving as a venue for high-level discussions if a ceasefire appears imminent. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed awareness of Sharif’s proposal but indicated a prompt response would follow.
Airstrikes and Strategic Leverage
Earlier on Tuesday, Vice-President JD Vance confirmed that US strikes had hit military sites on Kharg Island, a vital hub for Iran’s oil exports. These actions, according to Vance, did not signal a shift in Trump’s strategy but rather underscored the US’s readiness to intensify pressure. He emphasized that the administration would continue talks until the deadline, while reserving the option to impose “much greater pain” on Iran’s economy. The White House clarified that Vance’s remarks did not hint at a nuclear strike against the Islamic republic.
Iran’s state media reported that US-Israeli strikes had already damaged a bridge in Qo… This development highlights the ongoing tension and the potential for further military action as the deadline looms.
