President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo)US President Donald Trump said it would take “about four hours” to destroy Iran’s bridges and power plants if Tehran fails to meet a US deadline tied to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s statement on Monday comes even as Iran rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal and said it wants a permanent end to the war.
Speaking during a White House press conference, Trump said he is “not at all” concerned about committing possible war crimes as he again threatened to destroy Iranian infrastructure if Tehran does not meet his Tuesday 8 pm EST deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump warned that Iran could be “taken out in one night”, describing the situation as a “critical period” dependent on Tehran’s next move. He reiterated that key infrastructure could be rapidly targeted, adding pressure ahead of the deadline.
US deadline raises stakes over Strait of Hormuz
- Trump declined to say whether the conflict was nearing an end, but signalled that the coming hours would be decisive. His remarks mark a sharp escalation in rhetoric, with Washington linking de-escalation to Iran’s actions in the vital oil transit route.
Ceasefire proposal rejected by both sides
- The US president described a proposed 45-day ceasefire as a “significant step” but “not good enough”, while Iran has rejected the plan and called for a permanent end to the war.
Iranian official responds with warning
- Iranian deputy youth affairs minister Alireza Rahimi, in a video message, pushed back against escalating threats and rhetoric surrounding potential attacks, warning of broader consequences of targeting civilian infrastructure.
JUST IN: 🇮🇷🇺🇸 Iran urges young people to shield power plants with human chains as US President Trump threatens strikes. pic.twitter.com/JE5qdH0N1f
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) April 6, 2026
His remarks come amid heightened tensions, as officials on both sides harden their positions and diplomatic efforts appear to stall.
