New Delhi, Apr 07: Donald Trump has threatened to “take out” Iran “in one night” if Tehran fails to reach a deal before his deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, according to the BBC News.
The deadline for what Trump called an “acceptable” agreement, ensuring the free flow of energy through the Gulf, is set for 20:00 Washington DC time on Tuesday (5:30 AM in India on Wednesday, 8 April.)
Speaking at the White House, Trump said he believed “reasonable” leaders in Iran were negotiating in “good faith”, though he cautioned that the outcome remained uncertain. Iran has rejected proposals for a temporary ceasefire, instead demanding a permanent end to the conflict and lifting of sanctions.
At a joint news conference with Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump reiterated his warning that the US could strike Iran’s energy and transport infrastructure if the Strait is not reopened.
“The entire country can be taken out in one night – and that night might be tomorrow night,” he said, adding that Iran could be pushed back to the “Stone Ages” with the destruction of bridges and power plants.
His remarks came days after US forces recovered two crew members of a downed F-15 fighter jet in southern Iran, an operation described as “heroic”.
Despite Tehran’s resistance, Trump maintained that negotiations could still progress. However analysts feel that meaningful movement was unlikely without a ceasefire.
Efforts to mediate the crisis have involved Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt. Trump offered few details of Washington’s next steps, saying only that he has “the best plan” but would not reveal it publicly.
Legal experts have raised concerns that sustained attacks on civilian infrastructure could amount to war crimes. Earlier, Trump dismissed such concerns, saying he was not “worried” and suggesting Iranians would be “willing to suffer to have freedom”, even though he denied seeking regime change.
The US president also criticised allies including the UK, NATO and South Korea for not supporting Washington during the conflict. According to the US military’s Central Command, American forces have carried out more than 13,000 strikes across Iran since the war began.
