On Tuesday, Donald Trump took to Truth Social with a dire warning about Iran, declaring, "An entire civilization may perish tonight, never to return," just hours before his ultimatum to Tehran regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz was set to expire.
The message, posted at 12:06 PM, coincides with the expiration of Trump's fourth ultimatum to Iran, scheduled for 8:00 PM Eastern Time on the same day. This comes a day after the former president issued a stark warning that Iran could face obliteration overnight.
Trump expressed a reluctant resignation to potential conflict, stating, "I don't want this to happen, but it probably will." He then introduced an unexpected twist, suggesting, "However, with a complete and total regime change, where smarter and less radicalized minds prevail, perhaps something revolutionary and wonderful could occur. Who knows?"
He described the coming evening as "one of the most significant moments in the long and intricate history of the world," closing with a blessing for the "great people of Iran," and a prediction that "47 years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally come to an end."
The mention of a "complete and total regime change" is particularly noteworthy.
Following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during Operation Epic Fury—an initiative launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28—the Iranian Assembly of Experts appointed his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader on March 8. Trump criticized this appointment as a "grave mistake" and "unacceptable," suggesting that Mojtaba might be either deceased or severely injured, as he has not been seen publicly.
The operation severely crippled Iran's military capabilities, wiping out 90% of its missile capacity, 95% of its drones, and key nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, while also eliminating 49 high-ranking officials.
In retaliation, Iran sealed off the Strait of Hormuz on March 4 using mines, drones, and missiles, stranding 2,000 ships with 20,000 sailors and driving the price of Brent crude oil above $126 per barrel, compared to $67 before the conflict.
Trump had been unequivocal in a State Department video: "You have until tomorrow at 8 sharp... After that, there will be no bridges, no power plants. Welcome to the Stone Age."
Iran dismissed Washington's 15-point peace proposal on Monday, deeming it "illogical," but offered a 10-point counterproposal demanding a permanent end to the conflict.
On the same day, the U.S. destroyed the underground headquarters of the Revolutionary Guard with B-2 bombers, and Israel eliminated the chief of intelligence for that force.
For the first time, Trump's message on Tuesday hinted at a possible diplomatic resolution, though he left the outcome open-ended with an unanswered question: "Tonight we will find out, in one of the most important moments in world history."
Key Questions on the Iran Crisis
What ultimatum did Trump give to Iran?
Trump's ultimatum to Iran involved reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with a deadline set for 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
What was the outcome of Operation Epic Fury?
Operation Epic Fury resulted in the destruction of 90% of Iran's missile capabilities, 95% of its drones, and key nuclear sites, along with the elimination of 49 high-ranking officials.
How did Iran respond to the military actions by the U.S. and Israel?
In retaliation, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, affecting international shipping and raising oil prices significantly.