WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump issued his starkest warning yet to Tehran on Monday, declaring that Iran could be “taken out in one night, maybe tomorrow night,” as his ultimatum demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz approaches its Tuesday deadline .
Speaking at a press conference, Trump repeated his threat to unleash “all hell” on Iran if the country fails to meet Washington’s demands. “Iran can be taken out in one night, might be tomorrow [Tuesday] night,” he said, escalating rhetoric that has grown increasingly aggressive as diplomatic efforts show mixed results .
The president’s warning on social media was equally stark: Tuesday would be “Power plant day, and bridge day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” adding “There will be nothing like it!!!” He also told Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz “or you’ll be living in hell — just watch!” .
Trump’s threats come as the White House pushes for a deal that would end the conflict that began when the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, killing more than 1,340 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei .
The president had previously said there was a “good chance” an agreement could be reached by Monday or Tuesday, with his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner holding “deep negotiations” through Turkish, Pakistani, and Egyptian mediators . However, Iran has repeatedly denied direct talks are underway and rejected the ultimatum, warning it will not negotiate under pressure .
The Strait of Hormuz remains the conflict’s most critical flashpoint. Through this narrow waterway, roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil normally passes. Iran has effectively restricted traffic since the war began, triggering a global energy shock that has sent oil prices soaring above $100 per barrel .
Trump explained the reasoning behind a recent US strike on the B1 bridge, saying Iranian officials had told him they needed five more days before meeting — a delay he interpreted as a lack of seriousness. “I felt they were not being serious. So I attacked the bridge,” he told Fox News .
Meanwhile, Iran’s military has vowed to resist. A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters warned: “Do not forget that if the aggression expands, the entire region will turn into hell for you” . Tehran has also deployed new air defense systems and claims to have shot down multiple US aircraft in recent days .
The coming hours will be crucial. If no agreement is reached by Tuesday, Trump has made clear his intention to follow through on threats that could dramatically escalate the five-week-old conflict .
