TORONTO – Escalating tensions between the United States and Iran were the focus of a CBC News broadcast on Monday, with both countries exchanging increasingly stark warnings. The situation unfolded as a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for a ceasefire deal approached.

Trump Issues Ultimatum

President Trump warned that Iran’s “very existence is at risk” if it fails to reach a deal to pause fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He stated, according to the broadcast, that “a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” while also suggesting a positive outcome was possible if “different, smarter and less radicalized minds prevail.” Trump demanded Iran open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on bridges and power plants. This marks his fifth ultimatum in a conflict now entering its sixth week.

Conflicting Reports on Negotiations

CBC’s Willie Lowry, reporting from Washington, stated that reports on the status of negotiations were conflicting. Some U.S. media, citing Iranian officials, claimed Iran had stopped negotiating, while the state-backed Tehran Times asserted diplomatic efforts were ongoing. The White House offered no confirmation, with Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stating only that President Trump knew the status of the talks. Vice President J.D. Vance earlier indicated that negotiations were slow but expected a response from Iran by 8 p.m. Eastern time.

Concerns Over Targeting Civilian Infrastructure

The broadcast highlighted concerns about the potential for the U.S. to target Iranian infrastructure, even if it has a dual-use function. Democrats in Washington expressed concerns that targeting civilian energy infrastructure could violate international law. Trump dismissed these concerns, stating he hoped not to take such action. Retired U.S. Admiral Andy Loizel argued that some targets are legitimate because they serve both civilian and military purposes.

Iran’s Response and Regional Implications

CBC’s Megan Williams, reporting from Dubai, stated that Iran responded with a warning that it would strike outside the region if the U.S. attacked civilian facilities. Iran also threatened to cut off oil and gas supplies to the U.S. and its allies and warned that its allies, including the Houthis in Yemen, could close the Red Sea. The U.S. struck targets on Hard Island, a critical Iranian oil export hub, while Israel targeted Iranian rail lines.

Qatar’s foreign ministry warned the region is “on the point of no return,” and Gulf states expressed vulnerability, particularly regarding water desalination plants.

Canada’s Position

Prime Minister Mark Carney, as reported by CBC’s Karina Roman, stated Canada respects international law and expects all parties to adhere to it, specifically avoiding targeting civilians. He also noted a distinction between Canada’s objectives – preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and ending state-sponsored terrorism – and obligations under international law. He acknowledged that initial support for the conflict may have been misinterpreted.