• Trump threatens Iran with the destruction of its "civilization" if demands are not met.
• The deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is set for 8 p.m. EDT.
• Trump's rhetoric escalates amid ongoing airstrikes and international tensions.
• Iran has called for youth to form human chains around power plants to protect them.
• Global oil prices have surged due to the conflict and threats to shipping routes.

President Donald Trump has intensified threats against Iran, warning that "a whole civilization will die tonight" if Tehran does not meet his ultimatum to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. EDT. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed, "I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will," as he also hinted at the potential for "something revolutionarily wonderful" to occur, underscoring the high stakes involved in the ongoing diplomatic negotiations, according to CBS News, Los Angeles Times, and Al Jazeera.

With the deadline fast approaching, Trump has declared that he will authorize attacks to destroy all Iranian bridges and power plants if his demands are not met. This ultimatum follows a period of intense conflict beginning February 28, marking significant military escalation, including airstrikes on Iranian infrastructure. The U.S. president's threats have raised concerns about possible war crimes due to the targeting of civilian areas and infrastructures, as highlighted by Trump’s comments on military readiness to conduct strikes, according to Channel News Asia, India Times, and Le Monde.

In response to the threats, Iranian officials have called upon citizens, particularly youth, to form human chains around critical power plants as a form of protest and protection against potential strikes. Alireza Rahimi, a deputy sports minister, emphasized the importance of these facilities as "national assets" during a press appearance. The situation remains tense as Iran continues to reject U.S. proposals, remaining defiant in its stance against external pressures, reports SCMP and Los Angeles Times.

As hostilities continue, the conflict has severely impacted global oil markets, with Brent crude prices surpassing $111 per barrel due to volatility surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for oil shipments. The ongoing standoff poses significant challenges not only to the region's stability but to the global economy as well, with oil transit significantly affected by the tensions, according to Channel News Asia and India Times.