US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Iran of total destruction if its government does not accept his demands. Trump said the consequences could be devastating. “A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,” Trump declared.

Iran has around 90 million people. Trump’s warning covered the entire population. He also said that “smarter and less radicalised” elements within the regime could accept his demands and avoid such an outcome.

Deadline Set for Iran

Trump gave Iran a deadline of 8 pm ET to respond. This is the second such threat in 24 hours.

Earlier, he said the country could be destroyed in a single night. “Every power plant will be out of business, burning, exploding and never to be used again. I mean complete demolition by 12 o’clock. It will happen over a period of four hours if we want it to,” Trump further said.

US Strikes Kharg Island

The warning came after reports of US airstrikes on Kharg Island. A US official told Fox News that the military targeted bunkers, radar systems, and ammunition storage in overnight strikes.

Kharg Island’s Strategic Importance

Kharg Island handles nearly 90 percent of Iran’s oil and gas exports. It is a key target in any potential US-Israel military action. Trump has often spoken about capturing or damaging the island’s oil infrastructure.

The United States also struck military facilities on the island on March 13-14.