Trump threatens to take out Iran in ‘one night’ if no deal before deadline

Trump Threatens Immediate Strike on Iran if No Deal by Deadline

President Donald Trump warned that Iran could face a full-scale strike within a single night, possibly as early as tomorrow, if it does not reach an agreement by Tuesday’s deadline. The key condition for the deal involves Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil trade. The U.S. president set the deadline for 20:00 Washington DC time on Tuesday, which corresponds to 00:00 GMT on Wednesday.

Speaking at the White House, Trump emphasized that Iranian leaders were negotiating in “good faith,” though the final outcome remained unclear. He reiterated his stance that the U.S. might target Iran’s energy and transportation systems if the critical waterway was not reopened. “The entire country can be taken out in one night – and that night might be tomorrow night,” he stated on Monday.

“Obliterating all power plants, threatening coercive actions against the civilian population to try to bring a government to the negotiating table, those kinds of things are all flatly illegal,” said a former Obama-era National Security Council legal advisor to CBS.

Iran has refused to accept a temporary ceasefire, instead pushing for a permanent resolution and the removal of sanctions. Trump’s press briefing, held with Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, occurred shortly after U.S. forces retrieved two crew members from an F-15 jet that was shot down in southern Iran. While the rescue operation was highlighted as a “heroic” achievement, Trump again warned of potential military action.

Regional Perspectives and Communication Challenges

A regional official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing talks, noted that progress in negotiations is unlikely without a ceasefire. The official described the process as complex, citing delays in communication with Iranian officials because of a persistent blackout. “To convey messages to Iran, getting a response in a reasonable time is not possible,” they explained. “The average response time has been a day or so.”

Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt have been actively involved in mediation efforts. Trump provided few specifics about future plans, stating only that he possesses “the best plan” but will not share it with the media. He also criticized key allies, including the UK, NATO, and South Korea, for failing to support the U.S. during the conflict. “That’s a mark on NATO that will never disappear,” he said, adding that the U.S. “does not need” the UK.

Military Operations and Strategic Impact

According to the U.S. Central Command, American forces have carried out over 13,000 strikes across Iran since the war began. Trump suggested that Iran would be sent back to the “Stone Ages” if the deadline was not met, implying the destruction of infrastructure like bridges and power plants. Despite earlier rejections of U.S. demands, he expressed optimism that Iran was still negotiating in good faith, particularly after successive leaders were eliminated in joint strikes.

Trump’s warning underscores the high stakes of the crisis, with the potential for significant economic and humanitarian consequences. The situation remains tense as the deadline approaches, and the outcome could shape Iran’s future for years to come.