Trump threatens to take out Iran in ‘one night’ if no deal before deadline
Trump threatens to take out Iran in ‘one night’ if no deal before deadline
US President Donald Trump has issued a warning that Iran could face a full-scale strike within a single night if it does not reach an agreement by the deadline he imposed for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This vital maritime corridor, essential for global oil trade, is central to his demands. The president set a Tuesday deadline, specifying that the deal must include unimpeded energy flow through the Gulf. Speaking at the White House on Monday, he emphasized that reasonable Iranian leaders were engaging in negotiations with sincerity, though the final outcome remains unclear.
“The entire country can be taken out in one night – and that night might be tomorrow night,” Trump stated during a Monday press briefing.
Trump reiterated his threat alongside General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. This event followed the successful retrieval of two US Air Force pilots from an F-15 fighter jet that had been shot down in southern Iran. While the rescue was highlighted as a key achievement, Trump again warned of potential attacks on Iran’s energy and transportation systems if the deadline is not met. He claimed such strikes would reduce Iran to a state of “no bridges, no power plants,” effectively dismantling its infrastructure.
A regional official involved in the talks described the negotiations as stalled without a ceasefire. The anonymous source noted that communication challenges with Iranian leaders, due to a persistent blackout, have slowed progress. “Responses typically take a day or more,” the official explained, underscoring the difficulty in achieving timely dialogue.
Efforts to mediate the crisis have included participation from Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt. Trump, however, provided limited details about the administration’s next steps, stating he possesses “the best plan” but has not shared it with the media. Legal analysts cautioned that targeted attacks on Iran’s infrastructure might qualify as war crimes, citing the potential for widespread civilian impact.
“Obliterating all power plants, coercing populations to force a government into negotiations—these actions are flatly illegal,” said a former Obama-era National Security Council legal advisor.
Trump dismissed concerns about the legality of his actions, asserting that Iranians would “willingly suffer for freedom.” He also criticized key allies, including the UK, NATO, and South Korea, for not supporting the US during the conflict. “That’s a mark on NATO that will never disappear,” he declared, suggesting the US could operate independently. Central Command reported over 13,000 strikes conducted across Iran since the war began, according to Monday’s update.
