WASHINGTON: Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran, stating that the country could be “taken out in one night,” as tensions escalated ahead of a self-imposed Tuesday deadline for Tehran to agree to a ceasefire with the United States.
Trump cautioned that failure to reach an agreement could result in expanded military strikes targeting critical infrastructure, including power plants.
“The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night,” he said, while adding that he hoped such action would not be necessary.
The statements came as diplomatic efforts continued behind the scenes. Trump confirmed that senior officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner, were engaged in discussions with intermediaries in Pakistan to de-escalate the crisis.
Iranian media reported that Tehran had rejected a US ceasefire proposal delivered via Pakistan, instead presenting a 10-point counterproposal. The proposal calls for an end to regional conflicts, secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions, and commitments toward reconstruction.
Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the military campaign could intensify, noting that Monday would see the largest volume of strikes since the operation began, with further escalation expected.
Trump dismissed concerns raised by critics regarding potential violations of international law if civilian infrastructure were targeted. “I’m not worried about it,” he said, arguing that Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons constituted the greater threat.
