What the US military could do if Iran fails to meet Trump’s ultimatum
What the US military could do if Iran fails to meet Trump’s ultimatum
Trump’s Escalating Threat and Military Constraints
The deadline set by President Donald Trump for a deal with Iran is approaching, with the US military under pressure to target significant portions of the country’s civilian infrastructure. However, experts argue that Trump’s promise to eliminate “every bridge” and power station in Iran within four hours presents a challenge the military may struggle to fulfill. The threat, while bold, is seen as an ambitious claim that might not swiftly compel Iran to agree to a ceasefire.
“To meet this threat literally would be an absolute herculean task,” remarked a former senior US defense official. “Trump is almost struggling to come up with a new level or threat that he can say with words to push the strategic needle more in favor of the US here.”
Strategic Impact of Targeting Key Facilities
Iran’s size, roughly one-third that of the continental United States, complicates rapid attacks on all bridges. While the US has precise knowledge of critical facilities like nuclear plants and refineries, identifying and destroying thousands of other targets across the nation in a short timeframe remains difficult, according to analysts. This suggests that a large-scale strike on the power sector might be more achievable than the comprehensive destruction Trump outlined.
Pakistan’s Intermediary Role
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for a two-week extension of Trump’s deadline, advocating for diplomacy to continue. “I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks,” Sharif stated in an X post. “Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open the Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture.” This move positions Pakistan as a vital mediator between the US and Iran, potentially hosting high-level discussions if a ceasefire seems near.
Airstrikes and Economic Leverage
On Tuesday, Vice President JD Vance confirmed that US strikes had targeted military sites on Kharg Island, a major hub for Iran’s oil exports. These actions, however, were described as part of ongoing negotiations rather than a shift in strategy. Vance warned that additional measures could intensify economic pressure on Iran, emphasizing the US’s readiness to deploy further tools. The White House clarified that the strikes did not indicate a nuclear strike plan, though the possibility of greater economic pain looms over the talks.
