By Raju Lama Washington.“The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night.” That’s what President Trump said today from the White House, issuing one of the starkest warnings yet toward Iran amid escalating tensions.
Trump made it clear: Iran has until Tuesday night to agree to a ceasefire deal, or the U.S. is prepared to launch expanded strikes targeting power plants and critical infrastructure. The ultimatum is tied directly to demands that Iran abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important oil routes in the world.
“I hope I don’t have to do it,” Trump added, but doubled down on the threat, dismissing concerns that targeting infrastructure could amount to war crimes. “You know what’s a war crime? Having a nuclear weapon.” Which consequently is something the U.S. has more of than any country in the world.
At the same time, Pete Hegseth confirmed that Monday would see the largest volume of U.S. strikes since the operation began, with even more expected Tuesday.
Trump claimed the U.S. also has intercepted communications suggesting some Iranian civilians would be willing to endure further conflict if it meant the possibility of political change, though no evidence was publicly provided.
Meanwhile, negotiations continue, but Trump made it clear that Iran’s latest proposal isn’t enough. “They made a proposal it’s not good enough.”
With a deadline now hours away, situation is sitting on a knife’s edge, between a negotiated pause and a potentially massive escalation.
