Trump latest Iran deadline looms – The Latest

This episode of The Latest examines Donald Trump's escalating rhetoric ahead of a self-imposed deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to comply would result in devastating strikes on Iran's power plants and bridges. The hosts, Lucy Hough and Julian Borger of The Guardian, express deep concern over the legality and morality of such threats, emphasizing that targeting civilian infrastructure would likely constitute a war crime under international law. They highlight how Trump's increasingly erratic behavior—exemplified by an expletive-laden Truth Social post on Easter Sunday—has raised alarms about his mental stability and the erosion of legal and military guardrails within the U.S. administration, particularly under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has purged military lawyers and units focused on minimizing civilian harm. Meanwhile, Iran remains unwilling to accept a temporary ceasefire without a permanent, internationally ratified agreement, fearing future retaliation. The episode underscores the dangerous disconnect between Trump’s performative brinkmanship and the fragile diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, which risk being undermined by his unpredictable threats. As oil markets and regional stability hang in the balance, the episode warns of a potential catastrophic escalation with no clear exit strategy.