Adam Harris

This is Radio Atlantic.

I'm Adam Harris, in for Hannah Rosen.

This week began with President Trump giving Iran an ultimatum.

Open up the Strait of Hormuz, cut a deal, or face attacks on civilian infrastructure.

That was him speaking at a Monday press conference.

The next morning, he was even more direct.

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, he declared on Truth Social.

I don't want that to happen, but it probably will.

In the hours before his Tuesday night deadline, the United States announced a two-week ceasefire while the talks play out.

The deal already looks shaky, with Israel striking targets in Lebanon and Iranian state media saying the Strait is again closed in response.

Talks are set to begin in Pakistan this weekend.

But in the meantime, the president can't take back his words.

Words that appear to meet the UN definition of genocide, and when uttered by a world leader, are taken as policy.

To understand what comes next, I'm joined by two Atlantic staff writers who follow the military and foreign affairs, Nancy Youssef and Tom Nichols.

Nancy, thanks for joining.

Tom, it's great to have you.

Hey, Adam.

Thanks for having me.

So, Tom, we're speaking on Wednesday.

As the clock was winding down on Tuesday, I guess a very blunt question.