President Donald Trump escalated threats against Iran on Monday, warning the country could face complete destruction within hours if it fails to meet his Tuesday evening deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night
Donald Trump, US President — Radio Free Europe
The ultimatum expires at 8 p.m. Eastern Time Tuesday, with Trump threatening to target Iranian power plants and bridges if no agreement materializes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled the largest military escalation since the conflict began, telling reporters that Tuesday would see unprecedented strike volumes.
Iran rejected Washington's 15-point ceasefire proposal as excessive and unreasonable. Instead, Tehran delivered a 10-point counter-proposal through Pakistani intermediaries, demanding permanent war guarantees rather than temporary truces.
We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we won't be attacked again
Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, Iranian diplomatic mission head — Euronews
The standoff has created severe economic disruption. Oil prices surged above $110 per barrel as Iran's Revolutionary Guards maintain their blockade of the strategic waterway, through which 20 percent of global seaborne oil normally flows.
Trump's press conference highlighted a dramatic rescue operation that extracted two US servicemen whose F-15 fighter crashed in Iranian territory. The mission deployed 155 aircraft including bombers, fighters, and refueling tankers under heavy enemy fire.
One pilot survived 48 hours behind enemy lines, scaling cliffs while bleeding profusely and evading Revolutionary Guards forces before successful extraction. Trump described the operation as historic but acknowledged it could have resulted in massive casualties.
The president threatened legal action against media outlets reporting operational details, warning journalists could face jail time for publishing classified information about the rescue mission.
Iran's military command dismissed Trump's threats as arrogant rhetoric, while fighting with Israel intensified overnight. The conflict has entered its 38th day with no clear resolution in sight.
Trump claimed negotiations remain active through intermediaries, with his envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance involved in diplomatic efforts. However, Iranian officials expressed deep mistrust following previous US strikes during earlier negotiation rounds.
The crisis has created a global energy emergency, with over 150 tankers stranded outside the Strait and maritime insurers canceling war-risk coverage. The blockade represents the most significant disruption to energy logistics since the 1970s oil crises.
Frames Trump's threats as decisive leadership during a critical moment, emphasizing the dramatic rescue operation as evidence of American military capability. Portrays Iran as the aggressor refusing reasonable negotiations while highlighting US strength and resolve.
Takes a measured approach focusing on escalating tensions and diplomatic deadlock, presenting both sides' positions without editorial judgment. Emphasizes the humanitarian and economic consequences while maintaining journalistic distance from the military rhetoric.
Questions Trump's credibility by noting his history of changing deadlines and highlights expert skepticism about US war progress. Frames American threats as potentially constituting war crimes while emphasizing the global economic disruption caused by US actions.