President Donald Trump has warned that "an entire civilization will die tonight" if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by an 8 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday.
Trump's Social Media Warning
- On his TRUTH social network, Trump posted: "An entire civilization will die tonight, never to return. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will."
- He added: "However, now that we have a complete and total regime change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, perhaps something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will see tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the world. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally end. God bless the great people of Iran!"
Previous Threats and Changing Deadlines
- Trump has previously threatened to destroy Iran's power plants and other civil infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened.
- The current deadline is 8 p.m. ET Tuesday, but Trump has set multiple deadlines that have subsequently changed.
White House Position
- The White House has dismissed concerns that attacking civil infrastructure could constitute a war crime.
- Officials argue that such actions are necessary for national security.
International Law Perspectives
- Experts in international law warn that deliberate attacks on civil infrastructure—such as power plants, water systems, or energy facilities—can be war crimes if:
- There is no clear military objective.
- The damage to civilians is disproportionate.
- These rules are part of the laws of war aimed at protecting civilians and non-military assets during armed conflicts.
