In a dramatic escalation of tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a dire warning to Iran, suggesting that the nation could be “taken out in one night” if ongoing diplomatic negotiations fail. His comments came during a press conference late Monday, underscoring the urgency as a critical deadline approaches.
Military actions intensify amid rising tensions
Trump declared, “the entire country could be taken out in one night and that night might be tomorrow night,” emphasizing the seriousness of the situation as the U.S. expects Iran to respond by Tuesday evening. The president’s warning coincides with a notification from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who indicated that military operations are ramping up. “Today will be the largest volume of strikes since day one,” he stated, hinting at an even greater military response planned for the following day.
The pressing timeline is linked to Washington’s demand that Iran reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz or risk military action targeting Iranian infrastructure, including power plants.
Rescue operation for downed pilot revealed
In a related development, Trump spoke about a significant military rescue operation aimed at retrieving a U.S. pilot who had been shot down by Iranian forces. The operation involved a massive deployment of resources, with a total of 155 aircraft, including four bombers and numerous fighter jets and refuelling tankers. The president recounted the pilot’s desperate situation, stating he was “bleeding profusely” but was able to navigate through challenging terrain to reach U.S. forces.
“We’re going to find out. It’s national security. And the person that did the story will go to jail if he doesn’t say,” Trump asserted, referring to a media outlet that had disclosed details about the pilot’s situation.
In a separate but related note, Iran has dismissed a proposed 45-day ceasefire, calling instead for a permanent end to hostilities. This position was communicated to the U.S. through Pakistan, which is acting as an intermediary. Iranian officials have expressed a lack of trust in the U.S. administration, citing past military actions during negotiations.
Trump described Iran’s counter-offer as “a very significant step” but deemed it inadequate, reinforcing the tension as both sides remain at an impasse as the deadline nears.
Fighting continues to erupt across the region, with recent reports indicating that airstrikes by Israel and the United States have resulted in over 25 fatalities. One notable attack targeted an information technology facility at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, a site previously sanctioned due to its alleged connections to Iran’s military capabilities.
Moreover, Israel confirmed strikes on a major petrochemical facility in the South Pars natural gas field, crucial to Iran’s energy infrastructure. Iranian response included missile attacks aimed at Israel and Gulf Arab states.
As the conflict unfolds, new casualty figures estimate that more than 5,200 individuals have been killed since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, with the toll encompassing deaths across several nations including Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq. These statistics, compiled from various authoritative sources, are approximations and remain unverified.