United States President Donald Trump claims in his news conference at the White House, “The entire country [Iran] could be taken out in one night, and that may be tomorrow.” This comes even as both sides have said truce talks are being held via mediators, though a breakthrough remains elusive for now.
Trump issued the stark warning as a self-imposed deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments, neared. He cautioned that failure to comply by Tuesday evening would leave “no power plants or bridges standing,” signalling potential large-scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure.
The president also detailed the recent rescue of a downed F-15E jet crew in Iran, describing the operation as a complex, multi-pronged manoeuvre. “We mobilised a massive operation to retrieve him from the mountains, with 155 aircraft, five bombers, 64 fighter jets, 48 refueling planes, 13 rescue aircraft and more, as we wanted Iran to think he was in a different location,” Trump said. “We spread out and scattered to deceive. Seven different locations were part of the plan to throw Iran off the pilot’s scent. God was watching us,” he added.
Also read: IRGC Intelligence chief assassinated: Israeli Defence Minister
Trump recounted how the weapons service officer, a “highly respected colonel,” was badly injured and stranded after being targeted by the IRGC and local militia. “He scaled cliff faces while bleeding, treated his own wounds, and contacted US troops,” Trump said, highlighting the perilous nature of the mission.
Iran’s leadership, however, rejected the ultimatum, terming it “unbalanced,” and reiterated that the strait would reopen only once compensation for war-related damages was agreed. Despite ongoing efforts by mediators from Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt to broker a ceasefire, discussions have yet to yield any concrete result.
The White House indicated that while diplomatic channels remain open, military options remain fully on the table. Trump’s rhetoric has oscillated between threats of overwhelming force and cautious reference to possible negotiations, underscoring the high stakes of the ongoing crisis in the Gulf.
The looming deadline and Trump’s comments have amplified international concern over energy security and regional stability, with global markets closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
Follow us
