Situation escalating. Trump issuing threats, and Iran forms human defensive chain: Key points
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
What is known about the escalation around Iran at this moment — in the RBC-Ukraine material below.
Key points:
- Harsh ultimatum: The US demands that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 03:00 AM on Wednesday, April 8 (Kyiv time). Otherwise, Trump threatens to destroy the country "in one night."
- Conflicting signals: Information about the diplomatic process is inconsistent — media reports both a breakdown in negotiations and that communication channels remain open.
- Warning strikes: On April 7, US forces already struck bridges leading to Tehran and the Iranian island of Kharg, through which nearly 90% of the country’s oil exports pass.
- Tehran’s response: Iran has rejected the US conditions, demanding $2 million for each vessel passing through the strait. At the same time, the regime has begun deploying civilians near its energy facilities as a "human shield."
- Will there be a "hell strike": Trump has not yet made a final decision. According to media reports, his closest aides are leaning toward continuing efforts to reach a deal with Tehran, so instead of an attack, a new deadline may be set.
Trump’s deadline is expiring
Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump issued a tough demand to Iran: reopen the Strait of Hormuz (a key oil artery) by 03:00 AM (Kyiv time) on Wednesday, April 8.
If Iran fails to do so, the US will "destroy the entire country in one night," Trump warned. In particular, American forces could strike Iranian power plants.
Iran rejected the US proposals and put forward its own conditions for peace. Among them is a fee of $2 million for each vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran reportedly intends to use this money to rebuild what was destroyed during the operation.
US strikes Iran’s 'oil heart'
On April 7, US forces struck Kharg Island, through which nearly 90% of Iran’s oil exports pass. Bridges leading to Tehran were also targeted.
Read more about these strikes in a separate RBC-Ukraine report.
Tehran moves to 'shield' facilities with people
Amid threats from Donald Trump to destroy Iranian power plants, the regime has decided to create "human shields." Iranian state agencies today published photos showing "human chains" near energy facilities. One such chain was spotted near a power plant in Kermanshah.
Photo: "human chains" near Iran’s energy facilities (x.com/MehrnewsCom)
Photo: "human chains" near Iran’s energy facilities (x.com/MehrnewsCom)
Photo: "human chains" near Iran’s energy facilities (x.com/MehrnewsCom)
Photo: "human chains" near Iran’s energy facilities (x.com/MehrnewsCom)
Photo: "human chains" near Iran’s energy facilities (x.com/MehrnewsCom)
Photo: "human chains" near Iran’s energy facilities (x.com/MehrnewsCom)
Trump threatens to wipe out civilization
As the deadline approaches, statements from Donald Trump have grown increasingly harsh.
"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want this to happen, but it probably will," the US president wrote on his social media platform Truth Social earlier today.
Uncertainty over peace talks
The New York Times, citing three Iranian officials, reported that Iran is withdrawing from the negotiation process following statements by Donald Trump. Tehran allegedly informed Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator.
However, almost immediately afterward, the Tehran Times denied this, stating that diplomatic and indirect communication channels with the US remain open.
Shortly before these reports, Fox News, which is considered supportive of Trump, reported on talks between the US and Iran that, according to an unnamed official, were "absolutely positive."
There may be no 'hell strike'
In fact, since the start of the US operation on February 28, Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to wipe out Iran and then given Tehran new deadlines, citing alleged progress in negotiations. This scenario could happen again.
According to Axios, Trump has not yet made a final decision and is torn between launching a strike and setting a new deadline for talks. Although the US president is taking the most hawkish stance, his close circle — Steve Witkoff, J. D. Vance, and Jared Kushner — are urging him to continue efforts to reach a deal with Tehran.
"Trump would take a deal if he got one, but it's unclear if the Iranians are ready," an unnamed Axios source from Trump’s circle said.
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