Hegseth Warns of Heaviest Strikes Yet as Trump Issues Iran Ultimatum Over Nuclear Deal

President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Iran on Monday, warning that the United States could launch devastating attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure — including power plants and bridges — unless Tehran agrees to a nuclear deal by Tuesday night. The ultimatum came with an 8 p.m. EDT deadline, after which Trump said a four-hour military campaign could leave Iran's energy grid and transportation networks in ruins.

Speaking at a White House press conference flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and top national security officials, Trump made clear his conditions: Iran must renounce nuclear weapons and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping corridor. "The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night," Trump warned, while adding he hoped it would not come to that.

Trump dismissed legal concerns over targeting civilian infrastructure, responding to war crimes allegations by saying, "You know what's a war crime? Having a nuclear weapon." Human rights experts and international law critics remain sharply divided on the legality of such strikes under the laws of armed conflict.

Iran reportedly submitted a proposal that Trump acknowledged as "significant" but ultimately insufficient. He indicated that negotiations have been ongoing and suggested Iranian officials may be acting in good faith, yet insisted their offer fell short of U.S. demands.

Amid the diplomatic standoff, Trump highlighted a dramatic military rescue over the weekend. An American airman, identified only as "Dude 44 Bravo," was shot down Friday over Iranian territory and recovered Sunday following a covert operation involving hundreds of U.S. forces and a CIA deception campaign to mislead Iranian search teams.

The operation was framed by Trump as a demonstration of American military strength and precision as the standoff with Iran continues to intensify.