Headline: Trump Considers Two-Week Deadline Extension Amid Iran Tensions
WASHINGTON: On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump received a request from Pakistan to extend the deadline for military action against Iran by two weeks. This came just hours after Trump warned that “a whole civilization will die” if Iran does not agree to a deal.
Trump’s strong warning against Iran has led to intense backlash, with some former allies urging his departure from office. As the 8:00 PM deadline approached, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached out, asking Trump to allow time for diplomacy to unfold. “I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks,” Sharif said on X, highlighting that efforts to resolve the crisis were moving forward.
Sharif also communicated with Iran, urging them to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for the same two-week period. The White House indicated Trump was considering the request. “The President has been made aware of the proposal, and a response will come,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated.
Trump, who has extended the deadline in the past, mentioned in an interview with Fox News that negotiations were ongoing but did not disclose further details. Since February 28, U.S. forces and their ally Israel have targeted Iranian military sites, resulting in significant damage to the country’s infrastructure and leadership.
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump issued alarming remarks on his Truth Social platform, stating, “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.” Vice President JD Vance added that U.S. forces have options they have not yet used against Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran has firmly rejected U.S. pressure, insisting on a complete end to hostilities instead of a ceasefire. Trump’s posts on social media hinted at the possibility of a last-minute agreement, expressing optimism about changes in Iran’s leadership.
Critics have reacted strongly to Trump’s rhetoric. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer labeled him “an extremely sick person,” while former Vice President Kamala Harris condemned his threats as “abhorrent” and suggested he may be planning war crimes. Some individuals once aligned with Trump are now advocating for his removal under the 25th Amendment, which allows for succession if a president is deemed unable to govern.
“Not a single bomb has dropped on America,” said former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene on X. “We cannot kill an entire civilization. This is evil and madness.” Anthony Scaramucci, who briefly worked in the Trump administration, called on Republicans to recognize the seriousness of the situation and support Trump’s removal.
The Trump team denied any suggestion of nuclear threats following Vance’s comments, insisting that the vice president’s words did not imply such actions. The White House, responding to critics, emphasized that no nuclear discussion was intended.
