WASHINGTON (AP) — In a dramatic escalation of American rhetoric, President Donald Trump has threatened that if Iran does not agree to a deal by Tuesday evening, the consequences would be catastrophic. “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” he stated, marking his most alarming warning yet in the ongoing tensions surrounding the nuclear deal negotiations.

This latest deadline, set for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, follows weeks of postponed ultimatums from the Trump administration, which has oscillated between fiery threats and optimistic proclamations about the prospects of diplomacy. In a post on Truth Social, just hours before his deadline, Trump indicated that Iran’s leadership has become more "reasonable," suggesting hope for a breakthrough despite his alarming threats. Further enhancing the intensity of his warnings, Trump stated that a failure to comply would result in the destruction of Iran’s critical infrastructure: “They’ll have no bridges, they’ll have no power plants. They’ll have no anything.”

Despite ongoing talks, it remains uncertain whether the looming deadline will yield a diplomatic resolution. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a reminder that international law prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure. Trump, however, seemed unbothered by such constraints, asserting during a press conference that he feared no repercussions for potential war crimes should military action be taken against Iran.

As the clock ticks down to the final hour, Trump’s public statements have wavered from threats of military action to indications that talks have been fruitful. The chaotic negotiations have raised eyebrows internationally, with critics questioning the effectiveness and strategy of the U.S. approach toward Iran. Many fear that increased hostilities could destabilize the region further and lead to significant loss of life.

The implications of Trump’s words hold particular weight for not just U.S.-Iran relations, but also for global geopolitics, as the international community watches closely. Whether diplomacy can triumph over rhetoric remains a critical question, as imminent deadlines could dictate the course of future negotiations and regional stability.