Trump issues ultimatum to Iran amid rising tensions

In a recent post on Truth Social, President Trump had warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, or he would blow up their power plants. President Trump has given an 8 pm EST (5 pm AZ) deadline, as the post left many people rattled, including Republicans.

While Trump acknowledged that the war is not popular with everyone, he is firm on destroying Iran’s infrastructure and says he is not concerned about being accused of war crimes. He also says the rescue mission for the two downed servicemen was a success.

Dr. Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director at McCain Institute, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss more about the latest on the war.

“It looks like the Pakistani government gave our President a way out,” Dr. Farkas said, “…they essentially said publicly, please take the ceasefire deal.”

The deal includes the United States not destroying Iran, as President Trump has threatened Iran on multiple occasions, and in exchange, the Iranians will open the Strait of Hormuz.

“Our President has said before, we’re negotiating with the Iranian leadership, and then the Iranian leadership has emerged and made a statement saying they’re not negotiating with us,” Dr. Farkas discussed, “…I do think we have to wait and hear from the Iranians.”\

Dr. Farkas emphasized that it is a good sign that President Trump is taking this opportunity presented by the Pakistani government. However, his posts on Truth Social in the past few days have raised concerns from many.

“If President Trump means it, then these are war crimes,” Dr. Farkas explained, “…he would order his military to commit genocides…it raises a question of people’s sanity, and we have people around the world questioning whether President Trump has sort of become unhinged mentally.”

According to Dr. Farkas, Democrats in Congress have emphasized that military officers have an oath not to conduct unlawful operations.