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Published 11:46 07 Apr 2026 GMT
Trump's one demand revealed as president says Iran could be 'taken out' sparking fears WW3 could start today
Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, claiming the country could be "taken out in one night" as pressure builds over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The US president has ramped up threats in recent days as global energy prices surge in response to the ongoing disruption.
The latest comments come as a US-imposed deadline for reopening the key shipping route draws closer. Trump has repeatedly demanded action from Tehran, warning of severe consequences if a deal is not reached in time.
In a series of statements, including posts on Truth Social and remarks to reporters, the president has made clear that military action remains on the table, with tensions continuing to rise between the two nations.
Trump escalates threats ahead of deadline
Trump’s rhetoric has intensified in recent days, including an expletive-filled Easter Sunday post that read: "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy b*******, or you’ll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah."
He later warned that he would unleash "hell" if an agreement was not reached by 8PM Eastern Time on Tuesday. Speaking at a press conference late Monday, Trump said (via BBC News) Iran could be "taken out in one night," adding that it "might be tomorrow night."
On Sunday, he also told reporters he would "blow up the whole country" if the strait remained closed, The Independent reported. He added: “If they don’t do something by Tuesday evening, they won’t have any power plants and they won’t have any bridges standing.”
Military pressure ramps up
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that military operations could escalate further if Iran fails to comply. Per The Daily Mail, he said: "Today will be the largest volume of strikes since day one. Tomorrow, even more than today."
Trump had already set out multiple ultimatums over the past week. In one post on Saturday, April 4, he wrote: "Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them."
Iran rejects US proposal
Iran has pushed back against US demands, rejecting a 45-day peace plan earlier this week. Officials say they want a lasting agreement that guarantees no further attacks.
Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of Iran’s diplomatic mission in Cairo, told the Associated Press: "We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we won’t be attacked again."
He added that Iran no longer trusts the Trump administration following recent strikes during negotiations.
According to the latest figures, more than 5,200 people have been affected across the Middle East since the war began in February, including over 3,500 deaths in Iran.