- Trump says, ‘Iran could be taken out in one night’
- Tehran says, US rhetoric ‘Won’t stop our operations’; fires back at Trump, vows continued offensive
- As Hormuz deadline nears, war of words intensifies between Washington and Tehran
In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, Donald Trump has reaffirmed a Tuesday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or reach a deal, warning of overwhelming military consequences even as Tehran dismissed his statements as “arrogant rhetoric.”
Speaking during the White House’s annual Easter event, Trump struck a defiant tone, brushing aside concerns that his repeated threats to target Iranian infrastructure, including energy facilities, bridges and power plants, could amount to war crimes.
“I’m not worried about it,” he said. “The real war crime is allowing Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.”
He went further, warning that decisive military action could be imminent. “The entire country could be taken out in one night,” he said, adding that such a scenario “might be tomorrow night.”
The remarks have added to mounting global unease over the trajectory of the conflict, particularly given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy supplies, dw.com reports.
Amid the rising tensions, Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, issued a pointed warning, urging all parties to refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure or nuclear facilities.
“States must respect and ensure respect for the rules of war in both what they say and what they do,” she said, cautioning against rhetoric and actions that could endanger civilian lives and normalize destruction.
On the diplomatic front, Trump revealed that a 45-day ceasefire proposal, reportedly brokered by Egypt, Pakistan and Turkey, had been presented to Washington. While describing it as “a significant step,” he said it fell short of ending the conflict and insisted his deadline to Tehran remains in place.
Iran, however, signaled firm resistance. According to Tasnim News Agency, a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya military command dismissed Trump’s warnings, saying they would have no impact on ongoing operations.
“The rude, arrogant rhetoric and baseless threats of the delusional US president have no effect,” the spokesperson said, adding that Iranian forces would continue what he described as “offensive and crushing operations” against American and Israeli adversaries.
The statement further claimed that US threats would not reverse what it called Washington’s “disgrace and humiliation” in the region.
Meanwhile, Trump provided new details on a high-risk rescue operation following the downing of a US fighter jet over Iran, confirming that two injured servicemen are recovering well. He revealed that more than 170 aircraft were involved in the large-scale mission.
The president also sparked controversy by threatening action against a media outlet that first reported the rescue, saying authorities would demand the disclosure of sources on national security grounds.
“We’re going to go to the media company that released it, and we’re going to say: ‘National security. Give it up or go to jail,’” he said, remarks likely to raise fresh concerns over press freedom.
With both Washington and Tehran hardening their positions, the exchange underscores a deepening confrontation, with tensions peaking ahead of the US deadline and fears growing over potential military escalation in one of the world’s most critical regions.
