U.S. President Donald Trump has given Iran a firm deadline until Tuesday evening, warning that failure to reach a deal could result in sweeping military action targeting the country’s critical infrastructure.

In a series of statements, Trump described ongoing talks with Tehran as “deep negotiations,” expressing cautious optimism about a possible agreement, while also questioning Iran’s seriousness in the process.

Indirect Talks Through Mediators

According to Axios, negotiations are being conducted indirectly through mediators from Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan. Messages are reportedly being exchanged between Trump’s advisers and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The mediation efforts are focused on confidence-building measures that could pave the way for direct talks. However, sources indicate that no significant breakthrough has been achieved so far.

Escalating Threats

At the same time, Trump sharply escalated his rhetoric, threatening to destroy Iran’s power plants, bridges, and other key infrastructure if Tehran refuses to comply or continues to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed.

He warned that the United States could “eliminate every power facility and major installation” in Iran, claiming it could take decades for the country to recover — “if there is a country left at all.”

Trump also suggested further measures could be considered, including seizing Iranian oil or even deploying ground forces if diplomacy fails.

A Critical Deadline

The deadline has been set for Tuesday at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (3:00 AM Wednesday Mecca time), marking what could be a decisive turning point.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump indicated that the deadline could coincide with major strikes, referring to it as a potential “day of power plants and bridges.”

Legal and Humanitarian Concerns

The threats have raised serious legal and humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding the targeting of civilian infrastructure. Analysts warn such actions could face international criticism, while Iran has accused Washington of signaling intent to commit potential war crimes.

Diplomacy or Escalation

Despite ongoing indirect communication channels, the chances of reaching an agreement in the coming hours appear slim.

As the deadline approaches, the international community is closely watching whether last-minute diplomacy can prevent a broader conflict — or if the situation is heading toward a major escalation.