Washington: Tensions in the ongoing West Asia conflict escalated sharply after Donald Trump issued a sweeping warning to Iran, stating that the country could face devastating attacks if a peace agreement is not reached within a tight deadline.
In multiple media interactions, Trump indicated that failure to secure a deal could lead to large-scale strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure. His remarks, which included references to attacking key facilities such as bridges and power plants, have triggered widespread concern among observers over the potential humanitarian consequences.
Experts have cautioned that deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure could violate international humanitarian law, raising the spectre of war crime allegations if such actions are carried out.
The warning comes at a time when diplomatic channels remain active but fragile. According to reports, indirect negotiations involving the United States, Iran and regional intermediaries are exploring the possibility of a temporary ceasefire lasting around 45 days. The proposed pause is seen as a potential stepping stone toward a broader settlement, though progress has been limited so far.
Meanwhile, Iran has responded strongly to the remarks. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticised the US stance, accusing Washington of escalating tensions and warning that further aggression could have serious consequences for the region.
Despite ongoing mediation efforts, the gap between the two sides remains wide. With the deadline approaching, uncertainty continues to cloud prospects for de-escalation, while fears grow that any miscalculation could deepen the conflict and impact civilians across the region.
