Desk Correspondent , Washington DC - President Donald Trump has issued an apocalyptic warning to Iran, declaring that “a whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again” if Tehran does not meet his self‑imposed deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The stark threat came hours before the Tuesday evening (20:00 ET) expiry of Trump’s ultimatum, amid reports that US forces had already struck over 50 military targets on Iran’s strategically vital Kharg Island, the country’s main oil‑export hub.

The US Central Command confirmed precision strikes on approximately 50–90 Iranian military sites on Kharg Island, carefully avoiding oil infrastructure but sending a clear message ahead of the deadline. Iranian state media acknowledged the attacks, reporting no damage to crude‑export facilities, while Tehran vowed to respond if civilian or energy assets are hit next. Trump’s rhetoric escalated further, promising a “complete demolition” of Iran’s bridges and power plants within four hours if no deal materialises, framing the moment as “one of the most important in the long and complex history of the world”.

Iran’s leadership has dismissed the threats as “nervous bluster,” with officials insisting the strait will reopen only after a permanent ceasefire and compensation for war damages. The exchanges have paralysed Gulf shipping and spiked global oil prices above USD 120 per barrel, as traders brace for either a last‑minute deal or all‑out strikes on Iranian infrastructure. Critics warn that Trump’s “civilisation will die” language risks miscalculation, while supporters see it as maximum pressure to force regime change in Tehran. With minutes ticking down, the world watches whether diplomacy prevails or the Iran war enters its most destructive phase yet.