Trump warns Iran could be 'taken out' on Tuesday night, Hegseth says major strikes to come

US President Donald Trump on Monday said that Iran could be “taken out in one night,” adding that “that night might be tomorrow night,” as ceasefire talks between the two sides remained deadlocked.

Speaking at a White House event, Trump said Iran’s proposal to end the five-week conflict was “a significant step” but “not good enough,” while reiterating his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

He also said the United States had an “active and willing participant” in the talks, suggesting Tehran would like to make a deal. “We think Iran is negotiating in good faith,” he added, while also urging the Iranian people to rise against their government if a ceasefire were declared.


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The president had earlier posted on Truth Social: “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!” He also warned: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F**n’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”

Trump also stressed that reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz is a “big priority,” saying Iran must strike a deal acceptable to the US by the Tuesday deadline, and ensuring free oil traffic through the waterway must be part of any agreement.

He said that he will destroy all Iran bridges, power plants in 'four hours' if there is no deal, adding that Iranians were willing to suffer for their freedom, citing intercepted communications urging the US to “please keep bombing.”

Separately, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, at the same conference, said that tonight would see the “largest volume of strikes since day one of this operation.”

“Tomorrow, even more than today… Iran has a choice. Choose wisely because this President does not play around,” he added.

The remarks come as Iran indicated it was seeking a permanent end to the conflict involving the US and Israel, pushing back against pressure to agree to a temporary ceasefire and immediately restore shipping through the key global energy route.

According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Tehran conveyed a 10-point response to the US proposal via Pakistan. The proposal rejected a temporary ceasefire and called for a lasting end to hostilities, lifting of sanctions, reconstruction, and a framework to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

“We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we won’t be attacked again," Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of Iran’s diplomatic mission in Cairo, told The Associated Press. He said Iran no longer trusts the Trump administration after the US bombed the Islamic Republic twice during previous rounds of talks.

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Trump had earlier warned of severe consequences if Iran failed to meet his deadline to reopen the vital shipping lane, signalling continued strain in negotiations.

(With inputs from agencies)