Trump threatens 'civilisation' death as US-Israel strikes Iran
US President Donald Trump threatened to "extinguish an entire civilisation" on Tuesday as American and Israeli forces intensified strikes on Iranian territory. The threat came after a self-imposed deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz expired with no deal. Trump posted that "a whole civilisation will die tonight," adding it could be "one of the most important moments in World history." The US subsequently hit military targets at Iran's main oil export hub.
Iran halted diplomatic talks mediated by Pakistan and others, rejecting a 45-day ceasefire proposal as "not good enough." Iranian state media said it had sent a 10-point peace plan that received no US response. Trump had earlier warned every Iranian bridge would be "decimated" and every power plant put "out of business" if the Strait remained blocked—actions that could constitute war crimes under international law.
Israel announced airstrikes on eight Iranian bridges, warning against rail travel until 9 p.m. local time. Iranian media reported three killed in a Kashan railway bridge strike. Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones at US-allied Persian Gulf states; Saudi Arabia and UAE confirmed intercepts. The UN Security Council failed to pass a Bahrain-led resolution on the Strait after Russian and Chinese vetoes; Pakistan abstained.
Across Iran, civilians formed human chains around infrastructure in protective demonstrations. The crisis has disrupted a critical waterway handling up to 20% of global oil supply, raising global energy security concerns.