Trump condemned over threat that Iran’s ‘civilisation will die’
Trump Condemned Over Threat That Iran’s ‘Civilisation Will Die’
International leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and the Pope, have criticized US President Donald Trump for his dire warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran fails to reach a deal to halt the conflict and clear the Strait of Hormuz. António Guterres expressed concern that such statements risked placing the burden of political and military actions on civilian populations. Pope Leo XIV called the threats “unacceptable,” emphasizing their impact on people’s lives.
As the midnight GMT deadline loomed, Pakistan, acting as a regional mediator, proposed a two-week extension to continue diplomatic efforts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on X that negotiations were “progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully” with the potential for significant outcomes. He urged Iran to “open the Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture.” The White House confirmed Trump had been informed of the proposal but awaited his response.
“A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,”
Trump wrote on Truth Social, framing the threat as a last resort to force Iran’s leaders into action. He added, “However, now that we have complete and total regime change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, who knows? We will find out tonight.”
Earlier, the US and Israel escalated their military strikes, targeting Iran’s military infrastructure. Reports indicated attacks on Kharg Island’s oil terminal and eight railway bridges. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards retaliated by launching ballistic missiles toward Israel and claimed to have damaged a Saudi petrochemical complex and a vessel in the Gulf. Iranian media reported 18 casualties in Alborz province and the destruction of a synagogue in the capital, which Israel described as “collateral damage” from a strike aimed at a high-ranking military commander.
Iranian officials highlighted the human toll, with images showing citizens forming human chains near critical infrastructure like bridges and power plants. The IRGC vowed to strike back beyond the region if “the American terrorist army crosses the red lines,” threatening to disrupt oil and gas supplies for years. Meanwhile, Vice-President JD Vance acknowledged the possibility of a deal but noted the US had “tools in our tool kit” reserved for use if negotiations stalled. The White House later clarified that nuclear weapons were not implied in his remarks.