Only hours remain until the deadline set by President Donald Trump for the Iranian leadership to meet U.S. negotiation conditions—or face what he promised: the gates of hell.

In any case, these options are difficult and complex and could escalate the war to even more dangerous levels. The U.S. might avoid using tactical bombs directly, leaving the task to Israel, which would bear significant international blame for striking toward nuclear targets. However, this option is challenging and could bring substantial unforeseen international consequences if carried out.

If a crushing blow targets oil facilities, particularly on Kharg Island, the economic consequences would be severe—but they would still fall short of the devastation that could result if tactical nuclear weapons were used by either the U.S. or Israel.

Some experts believe that, from the very beginning of the war, the United States has rushed to neutralize the Iranian navy—about 150 ships and fast boats—and to strike coastal sites, particularly missile-launch locations along the Iranian side of the Arabian Gulf. This could explain the U.S. buildup of Marine forces on the USS Tripoli and USS New Orleans, in addition to the arrival of the 82nd Airborne Division, preparing to deploy in combat formation. They could operate on land, supported by airborne forces from the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and close air support aircraft such as the A-10, capable of clearing the way for amphibious or airborne forces toward any targeted site.

From the foregoing, it can be said that time works in favor of the U.S.–Israeli alliance—assuming we set aside internal political pressures or the potentially decisive influence of economic factors on the American presidential decision. In other words, if President Donald Trump had an additional month to conduct operations, he might achieve the victory he envisions. However, he is compelled to pursue political, media, propaganda, negotiation, and military maneuvers to buy more time, while the Iranian leadership—or what remains of it—works to hasten the end of the war, relying on pressure through assaults on Gulf Arab neighbors and on Europe’s timid stance, which at times even flatters Iran. The Iranians also depend on the political conflict within the United States, where the Democratic Party has so far struggled in vain to obstruct Trump’s war efforts in Congress. Meanwhile, missile launches toward Israel, whether originating from Iran or Lebanon, have been largely absorbed by the targeted Gulf countries, which are successfully repelling attacks and preventing Tehran from achieving its objectives.