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Reports: Iran Cuts Off Direct Contacts with the US

Iran has cut off all direct contacts with the US after Trump's latest threat that "an entire civilization will die tonight", according to information to the Wall Street Journal.

However, a Middle East official tells the newspaper that talks on a ceasefire through mediators will continue, but that the prospects of reaching an agreement before Trump's deadline expires at 02:00 Swedish time have diminished.

The New York Times reports a different picture. Three high-ranking Iranian sources tell the newspaper that Iran has stopped negotiating attempts with the US altogether and has notified Pakistan of this. 

 

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Analysis: Trump's threats could force the US military to commit war crimes

Donald Trump has previously been vague about his deadlines, but his new deadline and threats against Iran are very clear, says the BBC's Anthony Zurcher in an analysis.

If Iran does not agree to Trump's terms before nightfall, devastating attacks await. The president threatens to blow up every energy facility and every bridge in the country.

"Backing off on such detailed threats, reinforced with swear words and dire warnings, could damage his credibility," writes Zurcher.

Trump's threats against civilian infrastructure put US officers in a tricky position. If the president orders attacks, they will have to choose between refusing orders and helping to commit war crimes, writes Julian Borger in The Guardian.

Almost all legal experts agree that such attacks constitute war crimes. Borger has spoken to two such experts who believe that the threats of massive attacks are not only illegal, they also violate moral and legal principles that the Pentagon has previously worked on.

Jacob Kaarsbo on TV2 does not believe that the US and Iran will have time to agree before nightfall. He therefore expects new, powerful attacks, mainly from the American side.

“It will likely lead to a massive Iranian response,” he says.