US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, claiming American forces could destroy all of the country’s bridges and power plants “in four hours” if necessary.
Speaking at a White House press conference focused on the recent rescue of an American pilot in Iran, Trump said: “We have a plan, thanks to the power of our armed forces, that ensures all bridges in Iran will be destroyed by midnight tomorrow… all power plants will be disabled and never usable again.”
Trump set an ultimatum for Tehran to agree to a ceasefire by Tuesday at 20:00 Washington time (01:00 Wednesday, Portugal), adding: “Iran in its entirety could be destroyed in a single night, and that night could very well be tomorrow.”
When asked whether targeting civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime, Trump said he was “not concerned” and insisted the military operation had support from within Iran. “The Iranians are willing to suffer for freedom,” he claimed, asserting that there is internal backing for continued bombings.
Read more about this topic: Iran War: Tehran rejects negotiations after Trump threatens power plants (with video)
At the same time, Trump called a 45-day ceasefire proposal from international mediators “a very significant step” but “still not enough.”
Hours earlier, the White House confirmed that mediators from countries including Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey had proposed a temporary truce, emphasizing that Trump had not formally endorsed the initiative. “It is just one idea among many, and the President has not endorsed it. The military operation continues,” said a senior U.S. official, referring to the ongoing campaign dubbed “Operation Epic Fury.”
