Trump threatens to take out Iran in ‘one night’ if no deal before deadline
Trump Threatens Iran with ‘One Night’ Strike if Deal Fails
President Donald Trump of the United States issued a stark warning that Iran could be “eliminated in a single night” if it does not reach a deal by a self-imposed deadline. The timeline, set for 20:00 Washington DC time on Tuesday (00:00 GMT Wednesday), requires Iran to restore the Strait of Hormuz—a strategically vital energy corridor—as part of an “acceptable” agreement. During a White House address, Trump emphasized his belief that Iranian leaders were engaged in “good faith” negotiations, though he stressed the outcome was still unclear.
Iran had previously dismissed proposals for a temporary ceasefire, pushing instead for a permanent resolution to the conflict and the removal of sanctions. Trump’s remarks came during a joint news conference with General Dan Caine, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, following the successful retrieval of two F-15 pilot crew members from southern Iran. While the rescue was a focus of his speech, he reiterated his threat to strike Iran’s energy and transport systems if the deadline was not met.
“The entire country can be taken out in one night – and that night might be tomorrow night,” Trump declared. He further warned that Iran would be thrust back into the “Stone Ages” after the deadline, leaving it without bridges or power plants.
Despite Iran’s earlier refusals, Trump expressed cautious optimism about its willingness to negotiate, citing the recent elimination of multiple layers of its leadership by US and Israeli strikes. A regional official, who remained anonymous due to the sensitivity of the talks, noted that progress in negotiations was unlikely without a ceasefire. “Messages between Iranian officials and negotiators have been delayed for a day or so on average,” the official said, highlighting ongoing communication challenges.
Mediation efforts by countries including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt have been underway, but Trump offered few specifics about the administration’s next steps, claiming to have “the best plan” without revealing its details. Legal analysts have raised concerns that sustained attacks on Iran’s infrastructure could qualify as war crimes. “Destroying all power plants and targeting civilians to pressure the government are clearly illegal,” said a former National Security Council advisor from the Obama era, speaking to CBS.
Trump also criticized key US allies, such as the UK, NATO, and South Korea, for failing to support the nation during the conflict. “That’s a mark on NATO that will never disappear,” he said, suggesting the US could operate independently. According to Central Command updates, over 13,000 strikes have been carried out across Iran since the war began, underscoring the intensity of military operations.
