WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran failed to meet his 8 p.m. Eastern deadline for a deal, escalating already severe tensions over the conflict and the Strait of Hormuz. Trump made the remark in a Truth Social post, writing that he did not want that outcome but believed it was likely if no agreement was reached.
The deadline was tied to Trump’s demand that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to terms to end the conflict. He had also threatened major strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, if Tehran did not comply. Iran, for its part, had rejected earlier ceasefire proposals and said it wanted a permanent end to the war rather than a temporary truce.
The warning added to a day of intense uncertainty in Washington and across global markets, with investors bracing for the possibility of a much wider regional conflict. Reuters reported that traders were closely watching the deadline because any further disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could sharply affect global oil supplies and prices.
Later Tuesday, however, Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, stepping back from the threatened immediate escalation. The move eased market fears, sending oil prices lower and stocks higher, at least temporarily, as investors interpreted the pause as a possible opening for broader negotiations.
This remains a developing story.
