Trump threatens to take out Iran in ‘one night’ if no deal before deadline
Trump Warns of Swift Iranian Strikes if Agreement Not Reached
President Donald Trump of the United States warned that Iran could face devastation “in a single night” if no diplomatic resolution is achieved by the time he set for the country to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz. The critical global energy artery, which remains a focal point of regional tensions, is set to be reopened by 20:00EDT (01:00GMT) on Tuesday, according to Trump’s stated timeline.
Hope Amid Uncertainty
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump emphasized his belief that Iranian negotiators were acting in “good faith,” despite the ongoing stalemate. “Reasonable leaders in Tehran are working hard to reach an acceptable deal,” he said, though he acknowledged the outcome was still unclear. The United States has yet to secure a ceasefire agreement, with Iran pushing for an immediate halt to hostilities, post-war rebuilding, and the removal of economic sanctions.
“The entire country can be taken out in one night – and that night might be tomorrow night,”
Trump added, underscoring the potential for rapid escalation. He described the possibility of targeting Iran’s energy and transportation systems as a strategic move to pressure the regime. “They’re going to have no bridges,” he said, “and no power plants” by the deadline.
Strategic Context and Mediation Efforts
The warning came during a press briefing alongside General Dan Caine, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This followed a successful operation where U.S. forces rescued two F-15 pilots captured in southern Iran. Trump highlighted the “heroic” nature of the rescue, linking it to the urgency of the upcoming deadline.
Regional diplomats have been attempting to bridge gaps between the parties, with Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt playing active roles in the mediation. However, challenges persist, as a communications blackout has hindered timely exchanges between Iranian officials and their counterparts. “Responses often take a day or more,” said an unnamed official familiar with the talks, stressing the difficulty in achieving swift progress.
Legal Concerns and Allies in Criticism
Legal analysts have raised concerns about the legality of sustained attacks on Iran’s infrastructure, warning they could be classified as war crimes. “Destroying all power plants and pressuring civilians to force a government into negotiations are clearly illegal actions,” noted a former Obama-era National Security Council advisor. Trump, however, expressed confidence that Iran would endure the pressure, claiming the population would “suffer for freedom” even if regime collapse wasn’t his goal.
He also renewed his criticism of key U.S. allies, including the UK, NATO, and South Korea, accusing them of failing to support American efforts during the conflict. “NATO will carry a lasting mark for its lack of commitment,” he said, adding that the U.S. could function without the UK. Since the war began, American forces have executed over 13,000 strikes across Iran, as reported by the Central Command on Monday.
