U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Iran, threatening to destroy the country's infrastructure within hours if it fails to meet an 8 p.m. ET Tuesday deadline (8 a.m. Beijing Time Wednesday) to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The warning comes as Tehran reportedly submitted a 10-point counterproposal to U.S. peace terms through Pakistan.
"Complete Demolition" Warning
At a White House press conference Monday, Trump claimed America could demolish "every bridge and power plant" in Iran by midnight Tuesday, stating: "It will take them 100 years to rebuild." When questioned about potential war crime allegations, Trump dismissed concerns during the Easter Egg Roll event.
UN Sounds Alarm
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned through spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric that attacking civilian infrastructure violates international law, regardless of military justification. The statement followed Trump's proposal to charge tolls for Strait of Hormuz transit as part of any deal.
Energy Chokepoint Crisis
Vessel traffic through the critical waterway has plummeted 72% since February 28 U.S.-Israel military strikes and Iranian counterattacks. Maritime analysts report ships now navigate through a risky 'dual-corridor system' amid ongoing hostilities.
