Trump warns 'a whole civilization will die tonight' — escalates ultimatum as 8PM ET deadline approaches

President Trump posted on Truth Social on April 7 around 12:17 UTC warning that 'a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again' if Iran does not agree to end the war. The post came approximately 9 hours before the 8PM ET deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The language represented the starkest warning of the entire conflict, exceeding even the previous threats to destroy every bridge and power plant. At the time of posting, US-Israel strikes were ongoing including confirmed strikes on Kharg Island, and Iran's IRGC had already warned that 'restraint is over.' The ultimatum window was closing rapidly as regional and international actors pressed for de-escalation.