Trump condemned over threat that Iran's 'civilisation will die'

April 7, 2026

US President Donald Trump has issued a midnight deadline threatening Iran with devastating military strikes that could destroy an "entire civilization" unless the country agrees to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept peace terms. The ultimatum has drawn sharp international condemnation from UN Secretary General António Guterres and Pope Leo XIV, who called such threats against civilian populations unacceptable and potentially criminal under international law. As the deadline approached, Pakistan, serving as a mediator, requested a two-week extension to allow diplomatic negotiations to continue, while Iranian officials mobilized millions of citizens to form human chains at potential military targets.

Who is affected

Iranian civilian population (President Pezeshkian claims 14 million registered to defend Iran)
At least 3,600 killed in Iran since February 28, including 1,665 civilians
Israeli civilians (24 killed in Israel and occupied West Bank)
Saudi Arabian citizens (debris from intercepted missiles near energy facilities; petrochemical complex targeted in Jubail)
Gulf Arab states populations (more than 30 killed by Iranian attacks)
13 US service members killed in the region
Two people killed in Kashan railway bridge strike
18 people killed in strikes in Alborz province
UN Secretary General António Guterres
Pope Leo XIV
Pakistan as regional mediator (Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif)
Global oil and gas consumers (20% of shipments pass through Strait of Hormuz)

What action is being taken

US and Israeli forces are conducting strikes on Iranian military targets, oil terminals, and railway bridges
Iran's Revolutionary Guards are launching ballistic missiles toward Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Gulf targets
Iranian civilians are forming human chains at bridges and power plants
Pakistan is requesting a two-week deadline extension
UN personal envoy Jean Arnault is traveling to the region to support diplomatic efforts
The White House is reviewing Pakistan's proposal for an extension

Why it matters

This conflict threatens catastrophic humanitarian consequences for millions of Iranian civilians and risks unprecedented destruction of an entire nation's infrastructure. The situation has significant global economic implications as the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil and gas shipments pass, remains blocked. Trump's threats represent a potential violation of international law regarding attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure, which constitutes war crimes according to UN human rights officials. The escalating conflict has already claimed thousands of lives across multiple countries in the region and threatens to destabilize the entire Middle East, prompting the highest levels of international concern from the UN and the Catholic Church.

What's next

Trump's midnight (00:00 GMT) deadline for Iran to accept his terms or face massive military strikes
White House will provide a response to Pakistan's request for a two-week deadline extension
UN personal envoy Jean Arnault is traveling to the region to support diplomatic efforts
Potential US military destruction of "every bridge and power plant in Iran within four hours" if deadline passes without a deal
Iran's Revolutionary Guards have threatened retaliation beyond the region if "red lines" are crossed

Read full article from source: BBC