He wrote on the social media platform: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?

“We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!”

On Easter Sunday, Mr Trump had warned Iran he would order strikes on bridges and power plants should the blockade of the vital oil and gas route continue.

He wrote: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F****’ Strait, you crazy b*****ds, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”

The latest deadline for Iran is now set for 1am BST on Wednesday.

Iran’s IRGC warned earlier today “restraint is over”, threatening a response “beyond the region” and long-term disruption of global oil and gas supplies if the US does attack civilian infrastructure.

Tehran has also rejected a temporary ceasefire, demanding a permanent end to the conflict, guarantees against further attacks, and compensation for damages.