The United States and Israel are intensifying military action against Iran as a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approaches. Trump has warned of “complete demolition” of critical infrastructure if a deal is not reached by 10am AEST.
Key Developments
- US President Donald Trump says “a whole civilisation will die tonight” unless Iran makes a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran has until 10am AEST before Mr Trump’s deadline passes, after which he has previously said he would order strikes on bridges and power plants.
- US Vice-President JD Vance says US forces have tools they “so far haven’t decided to use,” though the White House later denied suggestions this hinted at a nuclear strike.
Strikes on Iranian Infrastructure
Iran has been targeted with strikes on infrastructure including bridges, railways and the strategically important Kharg Island. The US military carried out additional strikes on military targets on Kharg Island on Tuesday, according to a US official, adding the strikes did not impact oil infrastructure.
Istanbul Consulate Attack
Three gunmen with links to a terror organisation were “neutralised” by police following an attack on the Israeli consulate in Istanbul.
UN Security Council Vote
The UN Security Council has met to discuss the Hormuz crisis, but a resolution from Gulf nation Bahrain encouraging the protection of shipping through the strait was vetoed by China.
Israel Vows Intensified Offensive
Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir says the US-Israeli offensive against Iran is “approaching a strategic crossroads.” Zamir stated they have achieved “significant gains” and will “continue to act with determination and intensify the damage inflicted on the regime.” The Israeli military said it had struck eight bridges used by Iran’s armed forces for transporting weapons and military equipment.
War Crime Concerns
The UN rights chief has warned that deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure is considered a war crime. This came as President Trump vowed to carry out the “complete demolition” of critical infrastructure if a deal is not reached.
Potential for Talks, But No Compromise
Pakistan is acting as a go-between for proposals and peace talks, but Iran has shown no sign of compromise, according to a Pakistani security source. That source said Iran’s attacks on Saudi Arabia’s industrial facilities threatened to further derail discussions with the US.
US Journalist to be Released
Iranian-backed Iraqi Shia paramilitary group Kataib Hezbollah says they will release abducted American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped in Baghdad a week ago.
Oil Prices Spike
Oil prices jumped and stocks slumped after US-Israeli strikes on Kharg Island. US crude jumped almost four per cent to over $US116.50 a barrel, while Brent North Sea crude gained almost one per cent to just under $US111 a barrel. Paris, London and Frankfurt all closed around one percent lower.
Evacuation Order in Southern Lebanon
Israel’s military has told all vessels anchoring or sailing in the maritime area between Lebanon’s Tyre and Ras Naqoura to evacuate, likely indicating an imminent attack.
White House Response
The White House is denying that remarks by Vice President JD Vance about military operations in Iran had contained any suggestion of a US nuclear strike against the Islamic republic. President Trump is the only person who knows what the US will do when his deadline expires, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Timeline of Trump’s Deadlines
Trump has issued several deadlines to Iran since the outbreak of war. He initially gave Iran 48 hours to reopen the strait on March 21, then postponed that deadline multiple times, most recently to 8pm Washington DC time on Wednesday, April 7th. He has specifically threatened to target bridges and power stations, and refused to rule out strikes on schools or hospitals.
As the clock ticks down, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Tehran does not make a deal.
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