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 final deadline for a deal.
His remarks came alongside revelations of a high-risk US military rescue mission deep inside Iranian territory.
Speaking at the White House, President Donald Trump said Iran must agree to a deal by Tuesday night (8pm EDT/midnight GMT) or face severe consequences.
“The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night,” Trump warned, adding that the deadline is final and unlikely to be extended.
Trump reiterated that failure to reach an agreement could trigger large-scale US attacks on Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and critical facilities.
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He dismissed criticism that such strikes could amount to war crimes, saying: “You know what’s a war crime? Having a nuclear weapon.”
Iran deal proposals ‘not good enough’
The US president acknowledged that Iran had made a proposal, calling it “significant” but “not good enough.”
He added that negotiations appear to be conducted in good faith but insisted Iran must meet specific conditions, including abandoning nuclear ambitions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Also Read: Iran rejects ceasefire, demands permanent end to war
Trump’s senior aides are engaged in indirect negotiations with Iran through Pakistan, aiming for a broader agreement. The proposed deal includes commitments from Iran to forswear nuclear weapons and reopen the key oil transit route.
Dramatic US rescue mission inside Iran
Trump began his remarks by highlighting a complex and high-risk rescue operation carried out by US forces inside Iran. The mission involved nearly 200 US soldiers who entered Iranian territory to retrieve a downed airman hiding in mountainous terrain.
According to Trump, the airman was hiding in the mountains and climbing higher to increase survival chances, making the mission extremely difficult.
“It was like finding a needle in a haystack,” he said, adding that the operation required precision and coordination.
Also Read: Trump says Iran deal possible by Monday
The operation nearly derailed when two MC-130 aircraft suffered mechanical failure, leaving special forces at risk of being stranded behind enemy lines. Commanders made a high-risk decision to send additional aircraft and extract troops in waves, ultimately ensuring a safe return.
US Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Kaine said Iranian forces opened fire on US planes, but all soldiers performed exceptionally and achieved mission success. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as dangerous, confirming that all soldiers returned safely and none were injured.
CIA role and deception tactics
CIA Director John Ratcliffe revealed that the agency conducted a deception campaign to confuse Iranian forces searching for the airman. He confirmed the airman was found alive, hidden in a mountain crevice, and successfully recovered without errors in the mission.
Trump called the operation one of the most complex and harrowing rescue missions ever attempted, praising the bravery of US forces. He also criticized media leaks about the operation, warning that those responsible could face jail for putting lives at risk.
Also Read: Iran, US receive plan to end hostilities, immediate ceasefire
The president claimed that 155 warplanes and other aircraft participated in the broader operation, targeting more than 10,000 locations in Iran. He described it as a historic mission and praised the performance of modern US military aircraft.
Escalation expected as strikes intensify
Hegseth warned that Monday would see the largest volume of strikes so far, with even more planned. “Iran has a choice -- choose wisely, because this president does not play around,” he said.
Trump said Iran is currently weakened, while the US remains the most powerful military force in the world. He also suggested that if it were up to him, the US would take control of Iran’s oil, though he acknowledged such a move may not be supported domestically.
Trump emphasized that the conflict could end quickly if Iran complies, but warned that failure to act would lead to severe consequences. He concluded that the coming hours would be decisive, stating that Iran has already been given ample time to respond.
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