Today, news regarding the war between the United States and Iran has reached a dangerous new critical point, with Trump posting on Truth Social that "civilization may end tonight," just hours before his self-imposed deadline of 8 PM Eastern Time.
At around 8 AM Eastern Time, Trump directly posted on Truth Social: "Civilization may end tonight, never to be revived. I do not want this to happen, but it may happen." This message was posted less than 12 hours before the deadline he set, by which Iran must fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that typically accounts for about 20% of the world's oil supply.
Following the threat, Trump mentioned a rare diplomatic ambiguity, stating that Iran now needs a "complete and total regime change, led by smarter, less extremist ideas," and hinted that "some revolutionary good things may happen, who knows." He concluded with, "Tonight we will know, this is one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the world."
Trump's Threat and Market Reaction
Trump threatened to destroy all of Iran's power plants and bridges if Tehran does not fully comply by 8 PM Eastern Time. Earlier on Tuesday, he informed Fox News host Bret Baier over the phone: "He said 8 PM is inevitable. If we reach that moment, there will be an attack like they have never seen before."
The Strait of Hormuz, Oil, and the Crypto Market
Oil is a crucial transmission mechanism. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has kept crude oil prices above $100 for weeks. Any escalation of attacks tonight could drive oil prices higher, limit the Federal Reserve's flexibility to cut rates, and put new pressure on risk assets. Conversely, if a deal is reached at the last minute, it could trigger a strong rebound in cryptocurrencies, stocks, and commodities.
Iran's Response
Iranian officials have maintained a tough stance. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei told reporters: "Iranians will not yield to such deadlines in defending the nation's resolve." The Iranian Revolutionary Guard warned that any repeated attacks on non-civilian targets would face "stronger and broader retaliation."
The 8 PM Eastern Time deadline tonight is a pivotal turning point in the US-Iran conflict.