Trump Warns Iran Could Be ‘Taken Out’ in One Night/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump warned Iran could be “taken out” in one night. He suggested possible strikes as early as Tuesday evening. The warning came as ceasefire talks faltered and tensions escalated.
- Trump says Iran could be “taken out”
- Tuesday night suggested as possible timing
- Ceasefire proposal called “not good enough”
- Iran rejects temporary ceasefire offer
- U.S. threatens strikes on infrastructure
- Officials discuss rescue of downed airmen
- CIA describes rescue as complex operation
- Tensions escalate across Middle East
President Donald Trump warned Monday that the United States could eliminate Iran’s military and infrastructure capabilities in a single night, suggesting that potential action could come as soon as Tuesday evening if negotiations fail.
Speaking during a White House press conference, Trump issued one of his strongest warnings yet as tensions with Iran intensified.
“The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night,” Trump said.
The comments came as Trump previously set a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — a key global oil shipping route — or face possible U.S. military strikes. Trump had earlier suggested Tuesday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time as a potential cutoff for negotiations.
Press Conference With Top Officials
Trump delivered the remarks during a news conference at the White House, where he was joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
The briefing focused on both the ongoing conflict with Iran and the dramatic rescue of U.S. airmen after their fighter jet was shot down inside Iranian territory.
Trump earlier described a ceasefire proposal brokered by multiple countries as “a significant step” but said it remained insufficient.
Iran also rejected the temporary 45-day ceasefire proposal, instead calling for a permanent end to the conflict, according to Iranian state media.
CIA Details Dramatic Rescue
CIA Director John Ratcliffe described the rescue of a downed U.S. service member as an extremely difficult operation.
“It was comparable to hunting for a single grain of sand in the middle of a desert,” Ratcliffe said.
The CIA used intelligence gathering and deception tactics to locate the airman, who had hidden in mountainous terrain after ejecting from his aircraft.
Ratcliffe said the CIA confirmed the service member was alive Saturday morning and relayed the information to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who informed Trump. That triggered a large-scale rescue operation.
Trump described the injured airman climbing steep terrain while bleeding and avoiding capture.
“The officer followed his training and climbed into the treacherous mountain terrain,” Trump said.
The rescue operation involved 155 aircraft, including bombers, fighters, refueling tankers, and rescue aircraft.
Trump Threatens Action Over Leak
Trump also criticized reports that an Air Force officer was missing, claiming the leak complicated rescue efforts.
“We’re looking very hard to find that leaker,” Trump said.
The president warned that reporters who refuse to identify sources could face jail time.
“The person that did the story will go to jail if he doesn’t say,” Trump said, adding that national security concerns justified the action.
Rising Regional Tensions
Trump reiterated threats to strike Iranian infrastructureincluding bridges and power plants, if negotiations fail.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials reported strikes targeting Iranian military assets, including two senior Revolutionary Guard commanders.
Iran also launched missile attacksincluding a strike on Haifa, Israel, that killed four people, according to reports.
The conflict has intensified as diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire remain uncertain.
Trump’s comments suggest the coming hours could be critical as negotiations continue and the administration weighs potential military action.
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