Over the course of five weeks of US-Israeli operations against Iran, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly set deadlines, made demands, and issued threats. However, these threats often appeared unclear. The new phase of aggression against Iran is expected to be devastating. It is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM Washington, D.C. time Tuesday (midnight GMT Wednesday). Within four hours, every bridge and power plant in the country is expected to be “destroyed.”
“Only a few things are beyond the limit,” Trump said on Monday. According to him, to avoid such destruction, Iran must reach an agreement “acceptable to them,” which includes ensuring “uninterrupted oil transit” through the Strait of Hormuz. As the final hours approach, there is little indication that Iran will accept Trump’s deadline. Tehran has rejected a temporary ceasefire and presented its own demands, which a US official described as “extreme.”
This situation places President Trump in a difficult position. Without an agreement, he may extend the deadline for the fourth time within three weeks. However, after issuing such severe threats, harsh language, and grave warnings, retreating could undermine his credibility amid ongoing conflict. Following the recent successful rescue of two American airmen in Iran last weekend, both Iran and the international community might conclude that the US has not communicated clearly according to its military and strategic capabilities.
Although a disaster was averted, the successful rescue highlighted the risks still faced by US forces in Iran. President Trump may be coming to recognize the limitations of American military power. “We can bomb them and paralyze them completely,” he said, “but it only takes one terrorist to close the Strait.” Another option is for Trump to follow through on the threats he has issued.
According to Trump, on Monday such an option was not their priority on many occasions. As the Iranian public shows signs of enduring US military actions and bombs falling on their cities, Trump also mentioned that the incident would require future reconstruction and that America might eventually assist. “Do I want to destroy their infrastructure? No,” he said, “Even if we leave today, it will take them 20 years to rebuild the country.”
