U.S. President Donald Trump issued a Tuesday evening ultimatum to Iran, warning of potential total destruction if no agreement is reached.
Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran
President Trump stated on Monday that Iran could be annihilated overnight, potentially between Tuesday and Wednesday. He emphasized that his ultimatum to Iranian authorities expires Tuesday evening.
“The whole country could be destroyed in one night, and that night could be tomorrow,” Trump declared during a White House press conference, specifying the deadline as 8 PM Eastern Time (2 AM in Poland).
Threat of Total Destruction
If Iran fails to reach an agreement, Trump threatened, it will lose its power plants, bridges, and revert to a “stone age” state. He claimed the U.S. could destroy all Iranian bridges and power plants within four hours, by midnight Eastern Time Wednesday.
Despite the harsh rhetoric, Trump indicated a preference for avoiding such action, noting ongoing talks with Iran and expressing hope for good-faith negotiations.
Demands and Priorities
Trump stressed that any deal with Iran must guarantee the free flow of oil, emphasizing the opening of the Strait of Hormuz as a “big priority.” He asserted that the U.S. has “won” the war and therefore has the right to charge fees for the waterway’s use.
Details of Rescue Operation
The President revealed details of a search and rescue operation for the crew of an F-15 fighter jet shot down over Iran. He stated that 155 aircraft were involved in rescuing the second crew member.
Trump explained that the operation involved deception, aiming to mislead Iran about the soldier’s location, where “thousands” of Iranian forces were searching.
Destruction of U.S. Aircraft to Prevent Capture
Trump revealed that U.S. forces destroyed their own aircraft rather than allow them to fall into Iranian hands. Two “pretty old” planes used for transporting equipment became stuck in wet sand, and the officer was extracted via helicopter.
He assured that no American soldiers were harmed during the rescue operation.
Divine Support and Upcoming Attacks
Trump expressed his belief that God supports U.S. actions against Iran. Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth announced that Monday would see the highest number of U.S. attacks on Iran since February 28th, the operation’s start.
Hegseth warned, “Today will be the biggest number of attacks from the first day of this operation, and tomorrow there will be even more than today.” He stated Iran would have a choice and cautioned them to “choose wisely” as Trump “doesn’t joke.”
Criticism of Allies and Praise for Regional Partners
Trump reiterated his disappointment with NATO, calling it a “paper tiger.” He also criticized Australia, Japan, and South Korea for not “helping” the U.S. in the conflict with Iran.
Conversely, he praised Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait. He also spoke positively about NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, with whom he is scheduled to meet Wednesday in Washington.
Putin and Greenland
Trump claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin fears the U.S., not NATO, repeatedly stating Putin had told him so. He concluded the press conference with a remark about Greenland, stating, “If you want to know the truth, it all started with Greenland. We want Greenland. They don’t want to give it to us. And I said: papa.”
