Trump warns ‘whole civilization will die tonight’ as Iran deadline looms
US president Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that a “whole civilization” could be wiped out, hours before his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face further strikes. The threat was made in a post on Truth Social as fighting between Israel and Iran intensified, with no sign of a diplomatic breakthrough.
“A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” Trump wrote, adding that he hoped “maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen” to avoid the attacks.
“We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World,” he said, reiterating that strikes would follow if Iran did not end its effective blockade by 8 p.m. Eastern time. He stated that every bridge in the country would be “decimated” and every power plant put “out of business”.
The Israeli military said it had launched a new wave of air strikes on Iranian government infrastructure, including transport networks. Iranian state media reported fatalities after a railway bridge in Kashan was hit, with further attacks reported elsewhere.
Iran, in turn, targeted energy facilities in Gulf states allied with the United States. Authorities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reported missile and drone activity, with damage assessments ongoing.
Reports also indicated strikes on military sites and infrastructure across Iran, including in the capital, Tehran. Unconfirmed accounts suggested possible attacks on the oil island of Kharg, which, if verified, would mark a significant escalation.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard said it would “no longer hold back”, warning of retaliation against Gulf states. Diplomatic efforts appeared stalled, with Iran rejecting a proposed temporary ceasefire and Trump saying current proposals were “not good enough”.
US president Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. © PHOTO LI YUANQING / XINHUA
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