Trump Warns Iran Of ‘Taken Out in One-Night’ Strike As Hormuz Deadline Nears
Trump Warns Iran Of ‘Taken Out in One-Night’ Strike As Hormuz Deadline Nears
US President escalates rhetoric, sets deadline for Iran to reopen key oil route amid ongoing conflict and stalled negotiations
US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, saying the country could be “taken out in one night” if it fails to meet a deadline to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said, “The entire country could be taken out in one night. And that night might be tomorrow night,” as he pushed Tehran to agree to terms ensuring the free flow of energy through the Gulf. The deadline for an “acceptable deal” was set for Tuesday evening (Washington time).
The warning comes amid heightened tensions following weeks of conflict involving US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, and retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran. The situation has triggered global concern, given the Strait of Hormuz’s importance as one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints.
Trump indicated that negotiations were ongoing and expressed cautious optimism, stating that “reasonable” leaders in Iran were engaging in talks in “good faith.” However, he also made it clear that the current ceasefire proposal under discussion reportedly a 45-day truce was “a significant step” but “not good enough” to resolve the crisis.
Iran, however, has rejected the temporary ceasefire proposal, calling instead for a permanent end to hostilities and the lifting of sanctions. Iranian state media described the truce as an “American proposal,” signalling continued resistance from Tehran.
Escalating his rhetoric further, Trump warned of severe consequences if no agreement is reached. He said Iran could lose critical infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, adding that the country could be pushed “back to the Stone Ages.”
The remarks came during a public appearance tied to Easter events at the White House, where Trump also referenced recent US military operations. He described a high-risk rescue mission involving two US airmen who landed in Iranian territory after ejecting from their aircraft. According to Trump, 21 aircraft were deployed under “very heavy enemy fire” to carry out the operation.
Behind the scenes, diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with countries like Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt attempting to mediate and prevent further escalation. However, progress remains slow, partly due to communication challenges with Iranian officials amid disruptions.
Officials familiar with the talks suggest that meaningful negotiations may not advance without a ceasefire in place first. Delays in relaying messages and receiving responses have further complicated the process.
As the deadline approaches, the situation remains fluid, with global markets and governments closely watching developments around the Strait of Hormuz, a route critical to international energy supplies. The coming hours are expected to be crucial in determining whether diplomacy prevails or tensions escalate further.
