• By Surarika Das
  • Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:24 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
Add as a preferred

As Donald Trump's 12-hour deadline nears, Iran has hardened its position  and signalled total defiance. Zimbabwe's Iranian embassy mocked Donald Trump's threats, saying, “Tomorrow Inshallah”.

 Trump, on Tuesday, cautioned that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran fails to open the key oil transit route. He described the impending hours as “one of the most important moments” in modern history and warned of irreversible destruction if Iran fails to do whatever he said.

He left open the hope that “something revolutionarily wonderful can happen” before 8 pm ET (5:30 am IST, Wednesday).

Tehran, instead of yielding, toughened its stance. Iran's embassy in South Africa posted on X, saying, “You and your allies will suffer an unforgettable hit from the ancient civilization of Iran.”

The post was shared along with a disheartening image of a grieving mother whose child was killed in Minab during the US-Israel strikes in February.

The bombing was followed by the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and targeted missile strikes on a primary school. Approximately 170 school girls were killed in attacks.

“Remember this grief, this anger, this face. We will not let you go,” the X post added.

Zimbabwe's Iranian embassy mocked Donald Trump's threats. Sharing a post on X, it said, “These words are too big for your mouth. Stop embarrassing your people.”

"Tomorrow, Inshallah (God willing),” the post made predictions.

The United States and regional mediators have not been able to arrange a 45-day ceasefire. Instead of a temporary halt to hostilities, Iran wants a long-term settlement.

ALSO READ: What Were Iran's Preconditions For US Talks? Ceasefire, Hormuz Control Among Key Demands

Shortly after Trump's post, US Vice President JD Vance doubled down on the threat and warned that US could use a "tool it has never used before." Social media was abuzz that Vance was referring to nuclear weapon, prompting the White House to issue a clarification.

Was Nuke Use Hinted At By JD Vance?

At a Tuesday night press conference in Budapest, Vance stated that the United States hopes to hear back from Iran before Trump's deadline expires. He also cautioned that Trump might opt to employ "tools" that haven't been deployed yet if Iran doesn't make the "right decision."


"They must be aware that we have tools in our toolbox that we haven't yet chosen to use," he stated. If the Iranians don't alter their behavior, the US president will have the authority to deploy them.


Tensions further intensified on Tuesday after US missiles struck Kharg Island, a critical oil export hub near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian news agency Mehr confirmed multiple strikes.

Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf, is responsible for managing a significant part of the oil exports of Iran. The island remains crucial for the Iranian regime, given its favourable geographic and historic value. The coral island is one of the few water bodies with natural freshwater, supporting historical settlements and trade for a long time. Additionally, the island becomes critically important, as most of Iran's coastline is shallow.

ALSO READ: From Lyari Posters In UP, PM Modi's Kerala Speech To Raghav Chadha's Retort: Dhurandhar Fever Grips Political Leaders

In response to the attacks, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared, "Self-restraint is over." We will now respond carelessly, depriving the United States and its allies of gas and oil for years to come.

“If the US Army crosses red lines, our response will exceed the region’s boundaries,” the IRGC added.

Tehran has halted all diplomatic and indirect avenues of communication with the United States, according to Iranian media on Tuesday.

Also In News