Trump threatens to take out Iran in ‘one night’ if no deal before deadline
Trump Warns of Potential Strike on Iran if No Deal by Deadline
US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face a “one-night” strike if a deal is not reached by the deadline he imposed for Tehran to resume operations on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy artery. The deadline, set for 20:00 EDT (01:00 GMT) on Tuesday, requires an agreement that ensures uninterrupted energy movement through the Gulf. During a Monday press event at the White House, Trump expressed confidence that Iranian leaders were negotiating in “good faith,” though he acknowledged the outcome remains uncertain.
Iran has thus far declined US proposals for a ceasefire, instead demanding an immediate halt to hostilities, post-war reconstruction, and the removal of sanctions. Trump’s address coincided with General Dan Caine, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, following the US military’s successful retrieval of two F-15 crew members from southern Iran. The president reiterated his threat of attacking Iran’s energy and transportation systems if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by Tuesday.
“The entire nation could be wiped out in a single night—perhaps even tonight,” Trump stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. He further claimed that Iran would be “sent back to the Stone Ages” after the deadline, leaving the country without bridges or power plants.
A regional official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks, noted that meaningful progress in negotiations is unlikely without a ceasefire. The official highlighted the challenges of communication, citing a one-day average response time for messages between Iranian officials and negotiators amid an ongoing blackout. Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt have been actively involved in mediation efforts.
Trump provided limited details about the administration’s future strategy, asserting he has “the best plan” but would not share it with the media. Legal experts cautioned that targeting Iranian infrastructure could amount to a war crime, with a former Obama-era National Security Council advisor noting, “Obliterating all power plants and threatening civilian populations to force a government into talks are all flatly illegal.”
Despite Iran’s resistance, Trump maintained optimism about negotiations, pointing to the elimination of key Iranian leaders through US and Israeli strikes as a catalyst for change. He also criticized key US allies, including the UK, NATO, and South Korea, for failing to support the US during the conflict. “That’s a lasting mark on NATO,” he said, suggesting the US “doesn’t need” the UK. Central Command reported over 13,000 strikes conducted across Iran since the war began, according to an update released Monday.
