Window for diplomacy closing fast as Trump's deadline approaches

US President Donald Trump’s deadline for his threat to cause the “complete demolition” of Iran’ if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened closes on Wednesday at 2am in Malta, as the window for diplomacy narrows.

Israel has also issued a threat on Iran’s entire train network, warning civilians not to use trains, saying that doing so “endangers your life.”

On Easter Sunday, Trump posted the threat on Truth Social, which read ““Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP”

Iran’s military said that Trump’s threats are “delusional” and cannot make up for the “disgrace and humiliation” of the US in the region.

Over the weekend, the US and Iran were presented with a two-tier plan to end the conflict which was facilitated by Pakistan and other mediators.

Iran rejected the 45-day ceasefire proposal, saying it wants a permanent end to the conflict. Trump responded by saying that Iran’s response to the proposal was “significant,” but still “not good enough.”

Trump also said that he is “not at all” worried about possible war crimes as the deadline nears. 

“You know what’s a war crime? Having a nuclear weapon,” said the US president, although the US owns and maintains a massive nuclear arsenal with approximately 5,000+ warheads as of early 2025.

US lawmakers and Congress members have called for Trump’s removal through the 25th Amendment, which allows for the transfer of power if the president is unable to serve. 

“Trump is escalating a devastating, illegal war, threatening massive war crimes and targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran,” said Arizona Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, who has called for Trump’s removal.

“Congress and cabinet must act,” said New Mexico Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury.

US-Israeli attacks across Iran killed at least 34 people on Monday as Iranian missiles and drones continued to target key sites in Gulf countries.

An Israeli air strike killed at least 10 people near a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza. Last night, another 15 were killed in US-Israeli strikes. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has suspended medical evacuations from Gaza to Egypt through Rafah after a worker for WHO was killed in Gaza on Monday.