Trump threatens to take out Iran in ‘one night’ if no deal before deadline
Trump Threatens Immediate Strike on Iran If Deal Not Reached
President Donald Trump issued a stark warning that Iran could face a full-scale strike within a single night if it fails to reach an agreement by the deadline he imposed. The target of this potential attack would be Iran’s ability to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil trade. The deadline, set for 20:00 Washington DC time on Tuesday (00:00 GMT Wednesday), marks the final opportunity for a deal that guarantees uninterrupted energy flow through the Gulf.
Confidence in Iranian Negotiators
At a White House address, Trump expressed belief that Iranian leaders were engaged in sincere negotiations. However, he emphasized that the outcome was still uncertain. Meanwhile, Iran has refused to consider temporary pauses in hostilities, insisting on a lasting resolution that removes all sanctions and ends the conflict permanently.
Recent Rescue and Strategic Pressure
Trump’s remarks followed the successful retrieval of two F-15 fighter jet pilots from southern Iran. The event underscored US military capability, but it also intensified pressure on Tehran. The president reiterated his threat to strike Iran’s energy and transportation networks if the Strait of Hormuz remained closed by Tuesday. “The entire country can be taken out in one night – and that night might be tomorrow night,” he declared.
Communication Challenges and Mediation Efforts
A regional official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing talks, highlighted the complexity of negotiations. The official noted that delays in communication with Iranian officials have hindered progress, citing a typical response time of one day or more. Mediation efforts have involved Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, but details remain scarce. Trump provided minimal insight into the administration’s next steps, stating he has “the best plan” but will not share it with the media.
Legal Concerns and Allies’ Criticism
“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.
Legal analysts have raised concerns that sustained attacks on Iran’s infrastructure could be classified as war crimes. Despite these warnings, Trump remained unfazed, asserting that Iran’s people would “willingly suffer to have freedom.” He also targeted key US allies, including the UK, NATO, and South Korea, accusing them of not supporting the US during the conflict. “That’s a mark on Nato that will never disappear,” he said, hinting at reduced reliance on the UK.
Military Operations and Escalation
According to the US Central Command, over 13,000 strikes have been launched against Iran since the conflict began. This figure reflects the scale of US military engagement, though it has not yet led to a breakthrough in talks. Trump’s repeated warnings suggest a willingness to escalate further if the deadline is not met. “They’re going to have no bridges,” he said, “and no power plants.”
