WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has once again postponed a critical deadline for Iran, shifting it to Tuesday evening while escalating his rhetoric with severe military threats if no agreement is reached.
The ultimatum, originally set for March 23, has been repeatedly delayed amid fluctuating signals from Washington ranging from optimism about negotiations to aggressive warnings of large scale military action. The latest extension comes after Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal, as reported by state-run media.
Trump warned that failure to comply could result in devastating strikes targeting key infrastructure, including bridges and power facilities. He emphasized that the new 8 p.m. deadline would likely be final, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Meanwhile, António Guterres raised concerns over the legality of such threats, cautioning that attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law. Despite this, Trump signaled little concern about potential legal implications.
Iranian officials remain skeptical, citing past instances where negotiations coincided with military actions. Diplomatic representatives have insisted that any agreement must include guarantees against future attacks.
Despite heightened tensions, backchannel talks appear to be ongoing, with regional intermediaries indicating that communication between both sides has not completely broken down.
As the revised deadline approaches, uncertainty looms large, with the international community closely monitoring whether diplomacy will prevail or give way to confrontation.