Ask Onix
Trump sets explicit deadline for devastating strikes
US President Donald Trump has announced a new round of military action against Iran, set to begin at 20:00 Washington DC time on Tuesday (00:00 GMT Wednesday). The strikes, he warned, would target critical infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, within a four-hour window.
Demands and threats
Trump stated that Iran could avoid the strikes by agreeing to terms he deems acceptable, including ensuring "free traffic of oil" through the Strait of Hormuz. He described the scope of the planned strikes as nearly unrestricted, telling reporters on Monday, "Very little is off-limits."
Iran's response and US credibility
Iran has shown little sign of conceding to Trump's demands, rejecting a temporary ceasefire and presenting its own conditions, which a US official called "maximalist." This leaves Trump in a precarious position: extending the deadline for the fourth time in three weeks risks undermining his credibility, while following through could escalate the conflict.
Trump insisted during a Monday news conference that Iran is "militarily defeated," though he acknowledged the country's ability to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz with drones, missiles, and mines-a capability he described as a psychological advantage.
"We won. They are militarily defeated. The only thing they have is the psychology of: 'Oh, we're going to drop a couple of mines in the water.'"
Donald Trump, US President
Military precision and limitations
Trump highlighted recent US military operations, including the "Midnight Hammer" raid on Iran's nuclear sites last year, the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January, and this weekend's rescue of two downed airmen in Iran. The latter involved hundreds of aircraft, elite personnel, and advanced tactics, though Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted it was aimed at preventing a "potential tragedy."
Despite these successes, Trump acknowledged the limits of US military power. "We can bomb the hell out of them," he said, "but to close the Strait, all you need is one terrorist."
Humanitarian and strategic concerns
Trump expressed reluctance to destroy Iranian infrastructure, noting that rebuilding efforts could take decades. "Do I want to destroy their infrastructure? No," he said. "Right now, if we leave today, it will take them 20 years to rebuild their country." He added that full-scale strikes could extend that timeline to a century, risking a severe humanitarian crisis and regional retaliation.
Uncertain path forward
As the deadline approaches, Trump remains optimistic about a potential deal, stating, "We have an active, willing participant on the other side." However, he provided no details about the negotiations, leaving observers to speculate whether his comments reflect genuine progress or a mix of bluff and hope.
"They have till tomorrow," Trump said. "We'll see what happens. I believe they're negotiating in good faith. I guess we'll find out."
