US Vice President JD Vance said extensive discussions and negotiations are taking place before the deadline set by President Donald Trump for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. According to Vance, if Iran fails to reach an acceptable agreement before the deadline, the United States will strike Iranian civilian infrastructure. He noted that the deadline, about 12 hours away, would determine the outcome, expressing hope for a positive resolution.

Vance made the remarks during a press conference in Budapest, Hungary, while President Trump posted on Truth Social that an entire civilization could be destroyed that night, though he claimed he did not want that outcome. Trump had previously threatened to bomb Iran back to the “Stone Age,” targeting power plants and bridges, dismissing concerns about potential war crimes.

The final deadline, set for 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday (6 a.m. Wednesday Bangladesh time), was approaching as reports indicated that attacks on Iranian rail and road bridges and other civilian infrastructure had already begun.