So here's a Tuesday morning update from the commander-in-chief: President Donald Trump took to Truth Social ahead of his "power plant day and bridge day" deadline to issue another warning to Iran. And it wasn't exactly subtle.
"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," he wrote. Then, for good measure: "We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World."
At the same time, the president reiterated that the U.S. has achieved "Complete and Total Regime Change" in the Middle Eastern country, suggesting that "something revolutionarily wonderful" could happen. Which is an interesting juxtaposition with the whole civilization-dying-tonight thing, but okay.
Trump Sets Strait Deadline, Rejects Iran Plan
Here's what's actually happening on the ground. On Sunday, Trump set a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of consequences if it failed to comply. He specifically threatened military strikes on key infrastructure, including power plants and bridges.
While Iran reportedly submitted a 10-point response to the U.S. peace proposals, which a U.S. official described as "maximalist," Trump rejected them as "not good enough." The main sticking point in the talks remains securing guarantees that any ceasefire would result in a lasting end to hostilities.
More than a month into the war, thousands of people have been killed as tensions continue to escalate, and soaring energy prices fuel inflation fears. Because when you're talking about the Strait of Hormuz—through which about 20% of the world's oil passes—these things tend to show up at the gas pump.
Vance Outlines Iran Paths
Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance outlined two scenarios for Iran on Monday: if it stops funding terrorism and joins the global economic system, its economy could improve significantly; if not, continued regional aggression will worsen Iran's economic situation. He noted the U.S. deadline expires in roughly 12 hours, which will determine the next steps.
And those next steps might already be happening. Fox News reported that the U.S. conducted "dozens" of strikes on military targets on Iran's Kharg Island late Monday and early Tuesday, following Trump's recent threats over Hormuz. No U.S. troops have been reported deployed for the operation.
So to recap: we've got apocalyptic warnings on social media, military strikes already happening, a deadline ticking down, rejected peace proposals, and thousands dead with energy prices spiking. All before lunchtime on a Tuesday.