A deadline set by President Donald Trump for Iran to achieve a peace agreement is approaching, and tensions are rising as Trump intensifies his threats to damage Iran's infrastructure. "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again," Trump stated in a message on his Truth Social account. He expressed his desire to avoid this outcome, saying it was likely to happen. Trump previously warned that if an agreement is not reached by 8 p.m., the U.S. would launch military strikes targeting infrastructure, including bridges and power plants in Iran. On Monday, Tehran dismissed a proposal for a 45-day ceasefire, insisting it seeks a permanent resolution to the conflict. Trump's statements have raised concerns about possible breaches of international law. Over the weekend, he issued a harsh warning to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting they would face severe consequences otherwise. At a news conference with military leaders on Monday, he remarked, "The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night." When asked if he is worried that threatening to bomb power plants and bridges could be seen as a war crime, he replied no, but he expressed hope that such action wouldn't be necessary. On the same day, the U.S. carried out strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, hitting multiple military locations, including bunkers and an ammunition storage site, as reported by Fox News. Kharg Island is crucial for Iran's oil exports and has been targeted by U.S. forces in the past. Trump's threats have drawn criticism globally, including from members of Congress. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, called such an action a "textbook war crime." Representative Yassamin Ansari, a Democrat from Arizona, announced plans to introduce articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, labeling him the "chief enabler of an illegal war." She remarked in a video posted to X, "Iran is a country of 90 million people. Threatening them with annihilation is a monstrous war crime and puts them and American service members at grave risk." However, with Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, these impeachment efforts are unlikely to succeed. Nonetheless, the pushback from Congress reflects growing concern over possible military strikes. Iranian officials stated that attacks on bridges and power plants would violate the Geneva Conventions, while a U.N. spokesperson expressed alarm over the rhetoric. "Civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, may not be attacked," said Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Monday. He emphasized that even if such civilian infrastructure is deemed a military target, international humanitarian law prohibits attacks if they could cause excessive harm to civilians.
