Trump warns of rapid action as Iran rejects ceasefire and deadline approaches
US President Donald Trump has threatened to “take out” Iran “in one night” if it fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before his stated deadline.
Speaking during a news conference at the White House, Trump said Iran must act before 20:00 EDT on Tuesday, which corresponds to 00:00 GMT on Wednesday. The ultimatum comes amid continued tensions over access to the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for global energy supplies, and its disruption has raised concerns about the wider economic and geopolitical impact of the conflict.
Trump’s comments reflect increasing pressure on Iran as negotiations appear to have stalled. Iranian state media has reported that Tehran has formally rejected a US ceasefire proposal, instead presenting its own list of demands.
The developments come as military tensions continue across the region. The downing of a US fighter jet in Iran has raised further questions about the security of American forces.
Trump also referred to the recovery of missing US airmen from the downed aircraft, describing the operation as “very historic” and comparing it to “finding a needle in a haystack”.
Despite the strong language used by the US president, the situation remains uncertain. Reports indicate there has been little sign of progress towards an agreement as the deadline approaches.
The lack of a breakthrough places the US administration in a difficult position. If Iran does not comply, Trump may choose to extend the deadline again, which would mark another delay following previous extensions over recent weeks.
However, backing away from the threat could raise questions about the credibility of the US position, particularly given the repeated warnings issued by the president.
Alternatively, following through on the threat could significantly escalate the conflict. Trump has indicated on multiple occasions that he does not want to pursue that course of action.
At the same time, he suggested that the Iranian population has shown resilience in the face of ongoing military pressure, even as strikes continue.
He also acknowledged that any destruction caused by US action would eventually require rebuilding, and that the United States might ultimately play a role in that process.
The situation remains highly volatile as both sides maintain their positions. Iran’s rejection of the ceasefire proposal and the approaching deadline increase the uncertainty surrounding the next steps.
With tensions continuing and negotiations showing limited progress, attention is now focused on whether a last-minute agreement can be reached or whether the conflict will intensify further.