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President Donald Trump posted a powerful message on Truth Social this Tuesday, warning that an entire civilization could die tonight, in direct reference to Iran, just as his fourth ultimatum to Iran was about to expire since March 21.
The message, published at 12:06 PM (Eastern Time), coincides with the deadline set for 8:00 PM this Tuesday.
"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to exist again. I don't want that to happen, but it will probably occur," Trump wrote on the social network.
In the same text, the leader referred to a "Complete and Total Regime Change" as a possible outcome, and suggested that "something revolutionarily wonderful" could happen if "different minds prevail, more intelligent and less radicalized."
"47 years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally come to an end. God bless the great people of Iran!" concluded Trump, in direct reference to the Islamic Republic founded in 1979.
The message marks the most extreme rhetorical point in an unprecedented military escalation between Washington and Tehran, which began on February 28 with the Epic Fury Operation, a joint offensive by the United States and Israel that has destroyed over 90% of Iran's missile capabilities and 95% of its drones, in addition to decimating its navy and air force.
During the operation, the supreme leader Ali Khamenei was eliminated on March 1, along with 49 high-ranking officials and military chiefs. His son Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed the new supreme leader on March 8, but was injured in the same offensive.
Iran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil passes, causing the price of Brent crude to rise above 110 dollars per barrel.
Negotiations have progressed in a fragmented manner through Pakistani, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators. On April 6, Tehran sent a ten-point counterproposal demanding a permanent end to hostilities, a protocol for passage through Hormuz, the complete lifting of sanctions, and funds for reconstruction.
The Iranian spokesperson Ismail Bagaei rejected on the same day negotiating under ultimatums or threats, while the U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff maintained direct contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abás Araqchí.
Trump had warned on April 6 that Tuesday would be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day, threatening to destroy electrical infrastructure, oil wells, the island of Kharg —through which 90% of Iranian oil passes— and bridges if the deadline elapsed without an agreement.
The post this Tuesday, with its explicit reference to the "Regime Change" and the possible death of "an entire civilization," suggests that the ultimate goal of the operation could be the end of the Islamic government system in Iran, not just its denuclearization.
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