Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran: Sign Deal or Face Catastrophe
“The whole country is going to get blown up,” President Donald Trump declared, delivering a stark ultimatum to Iran regarding negotiations with the United States. His comments came amid rising tensions as Iranian forces reportedly obstructed maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
On Sunday morning, Trump threatened to target critical infrastructure in Iran, stating, “We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran. NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” This statement appears aimed at pressuring Iranian officials to engage in last-minute discussions before the impending expiration of a U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump revealed plans to send a delegation to Pakistan for negotiations. However, uncertainty looms over whether Iran will reciprocate with its own representatives, especially after their chief negotiator indicated significant gaps remain between the two sides. The U.S. has intensified security measures in Islamabad, yet no formal confirmation of talks has emerged.
“If they don't sign this deal, the whole country is going to get blown up,” Trump reiterated to Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst. The two-week ceasefire is set to lapse on Tuesday unless an agreement is reached, following Trump’s earlier threats to dismantle Iranian “civilization” if negotiations fail.
Critics have seized upon Trump’s aggressive rhetoric towards Iran’s civilian population and infrastructure as potential evidence of war crimes. Last weekend’s peace talks in Pakistan ended without resolution, as Vice President JD Vance, who led the discussions, could not identify any points of consensus between the parties. Concurrently, the U.S. initiated a blockade of Iranian ports aimed at curtailing oil exports to nations like Russia and China.
The primary contention remains Iran’s nuclear program. U.S. officials demand the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear facilities, the surrender of nuclear materials, and assurances against future uranium enrichment.
Vance will not participate in the upcoming negotiations; instead, special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will take the lead. Confusion arose over Vance’s involvement when Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated he was still leading negotiations, only for Trump to clarify that Vance would be absent due to “security reasons.”
On Friday, Trump proclaimed “victory” over Iran, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz had reopened for global shipping. He announced on Truth Social that the strait was “fully open.” However, reports surfaced on Sunday from a U.K.-based maritime security agency indicating that an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vessel fired upon a tanker.
According to the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations Centre, “The Master of a Tanker reports being approached by 2 IRGC gun boats, no VHF challenge that then fired upon the tanker. Tanker and crew are reported safe. Authorities are investigating.”
In a statement posted on X by Iran’s embassy in Hyderabad, the IRGC warned that “as long as the traffic of vessels to and from Iran is threatened by the U.S., the status of the Strait of Hormuz will be as before, more restricted.”
“Every breach by the US will meet an appropriate response,” added the IRGC naval command in their statement.
