With Threat to Wipe Out Iran’s Civilization, Trump’s Rhetoric Goes Beyond Bluster
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- President Trump issued a stark threat on Truth Social, warning that "a whole civilization will die tonight," referring to Iran, in a message blending casual tone with promises of mass destruction.
- The post came shortly after Trump demanded Iran end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, using profane and provocative language to pressure Tehran.
- Trump’s advisers viewed his aggressive rhetoric as a negotiation tactic aimed at ending the conflict rather than launching an actual attack.
- Later that day, Trump shifted to a diplomatic approach by endorsing a Pakistani proposal for a two-week cease-fire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
 { path { fill: %23EEEFE9 } })
