The UK urged Donald Trump to step back from his threat to wipe out “a whole civilisation” as his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz drew closer.
The US president has given Tehran until 1am on Wednesday UK time to end its blockade of the strait or face obliteration.
Downing Street again said the UK’s focus was on “de-escalation” and a “negotiated settlement” for the region, but Mr Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric and the US-Israeli bombing campaign continued.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 7, 2026
Writing on his Truth Social platform he said: “A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again.
“I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”
But Mr Trump, who has previously extended his deadline for action, said the “complete and total regime change” in Iran had resulted in a situation where “different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail”.
He said: “Maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World.”
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