The White House on Tuesday denied having any plans to use nuclear weapons against Iran, as a deadline set by President Donald Trump for Tehran to comply with US demands approached.

The clarification came amid heightened tensions after Trump warned that a “whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran failed to reach a deal, raising fears of possible nuclear escalation, reports Al Jazeera.

US Vice President JD Vance said Washington still has options it has “not yet decided to use,” prompting speculation, though the White House dismissed claims that nuclear weapons were under consideration. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said only the president knows what actions may follow.

The ultimatum requires Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face major attacks on key infrastructure. Legal experts have warned that targeting civilian facilities could constitute war crimes.

Iran has responded defiantly. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned it would retaliate strongly against any attack on civilian targets, saying its response could extend “beyond the region.”

The developments come as US and Israeli strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, including Kharg Island, intensify, while Iran and its allies continue counterattacks across the region.