Trump threatens to take out Iran in ‘one night’ if no deal before deadline
Trump Warns of Iranian Strike if No Agreement by Deadline
President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning, stating that Iran could face a “total devastation” within a single night if it fails to reach a deal by the deadline he set for Tehran to resume operations at the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway, vital for global oil transportation, is central to the administration’s demands. The deadline, scheduled for 20:00 Washington DC time on Tuesday (00:00 GMT Wednesday), marks the final opportunity for an “acceptable” agreement, according to White House statements.
Speaking during a joint press event with General Dan Caine, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, and defense secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump reiterated his belief that Iran’s leadership was engaging in “good faith” negotiations. However, he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the outcome, emphasizing that the situation could still shift dramatically. The rescue of two F-15 crew members from southern Iran, achieved days prior, was highlighted as a “heroic” success, though it did not alleviate the pressure on Tehran.
“The entire country can be taken out in one night – and that night might be tomorrow night,” Trump declared on Monday. He further warned that, should the deadline pass, Iran would be “sent back to the Stone Ages,” with its infrastructure left in ruins, including the loss of all bridges and power plants.
Despite Iran’s initial rejection of US proposals for a temporary ceasefire, the administration remains hopeful that meaningful progress is possible. A regional official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks, noted that negotiations are hindered by persistent communication challenges. “Messages to and from Iranian officials take days to reach a response,” the official explained, underscoring the complexity of the process.
Mediation efforts have involved Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, yet Trump provided few specifics on the US strategy moving forward. “I have the best plan,” he said, but refused to share it with the media. Legal analysts have raised concerns, arguing that targeted attacks on Iran’s energy and transportation networks could qualify as war crimes. “Destroying power plants and coercing civilians to force a government into talks is legally indefensible,” a former Obama-era legal advisor told CBS.
Trump dismissed worries about potential collateral damage, asserting that Iran’s population would “suffer willingly” for freedom, even if regime change was not the goal. He also reprimanded key allies, including the UK, NATO, and South Korea, for not supporting the US during the conflict. “NATO’s reputation will never recover,” he said, suggesting the alliance’s credibility is in question. Central Command reported over 13,000 strikes conducted in Iran since the conflict began, highlighting the scale of military engagement.
