The ongoing conflict in West Asia reached a critical juncture on its 39th day, with heightened tensions following a warning from US President Donald Trump. This threat came just hours before the deadline he imposed for Iran to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump ominously stated, “a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” echoing earlier warnings about targeting Iran’s civilian and energy infrastructure if the country does not comply with reopening the Strait. “I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,” he remarked, as Iran firmly rejected a ceasefire proposal mediated by Pakistan, signaling its entrenched position in the face of escalating hostilities.
Trump’s deadline for Iran is set for 8:00 PM ET on Tuesday (5:30 AM IST on Wednesday). Prior to his announcement, US forces had carried out strikes on over 50 military installations on Kharg Island, marking the first assault on this critical oil export hub since March 10. Located just 30 kilometers from Iran’s coast, Kharg Island is essential for 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports, with Trump having previously threatened to target its energy facilities should Iran fail to yield.
On the same day, clashes continued as Saudi Arabia reported intercepting 18 drones, and loud explosions were heard in the coastal city of Aqaba in Jordan. A White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that US forces had targeted military sites on Kharg Island shortly before Trump’s ultimatum. Trump, in his morning remarks, reiterated that “whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran does not reach an agreement.
Iran’s semi-official news agency, Mehr, reported multiple explosions on Kharg Island earlier on Tuesday. Trump has also indicated the possibility of deploying ground troops to capture the island’s oil infrastructure, a move that analysts suggest could result in significant American casualties and may not lead to a decisive end of the conflict.
Kharg Island, a coral formation about 25 kilometers from Iran, is a crucial node for oil exports due to its deepwater capabilities, which allow it to accommodate supertankers that cannot dock at Iran’s shallow mainland ports. Experts have outlined three potential scenarios: ongoing strikes on military targets, Trump reconsidering and targeting the oil terminal directly, or a ground operation aimed at seizing the island. Analysts from the Eurasia Group and RUSI note that capturing the island could provide the US with leverage in negotiations, albeit placing American forces within range of Iranian drones and missiles.
There are concerns that Tehran might sabotage its own oil pipeline to Kharg to deny the US a strategic advantage, an option highlighted by a former head of the White House Situation Room. On Monday, Iran dismissed the ceasefire proposal and pressed for a sustainable peace agreement, outlining a 10-point counterproposal that included demands for conflict resolution in the region, safe passage protocols through the Strait, lifting of sanctions, and reconstruction efforts.
Since the US-Israeli assault on February 28, Iran has maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for over 20 percent of global energy supplies. Reports indicate that nearly 70 percent of vessels transiting the Strait during the conflict are owned by Iran and its allies, including countries like China, India, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Tehran is also advocating for the implementation of transit fees for ships passing through the Strait. Earlier, a parliamentary committee in Iran approved plans to impose tolls on vessels navigating the waterway. In a previous proposal, Iran demanded US recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
In the United States, some lawmakers are calling for Trump’s removal from office using the 25th Amendment, which provides for a transfer of power if the President is unable to fulfill his duties. Arizona Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari criticized Trump’s escalation of military actions, stating, “This is not ok. Invoke the 25th Amendment. Impeach. Remove. This unhinged lunatic must be removed from office.” Minnesota Congresswoman Ilham Omar echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for action against Trump’s administration.
Former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh also joined the chorus for Trump’s ousting, stating, “He will forever be a stain on this country. And the world. 25th Amendment. Now.”
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