President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against Iran on Monday, stating that the United States possesses the capability to 'take out' the entire country in a single night, with Tuesday potentially marking that event.

Speaking at a White House news conference, Trump addressed ongoing tensions tied to Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for 20 percent of global oil shipments. He set a firm deadline of 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday for Tehran to reopen the waterway, warning of strikes on power plants and bridges otherwise. 'The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night,' Trump said.

The remarks followed Trump's expletive-filled social media post on Easter Sunday, where he dubbed Tuesday 'Power Plant Day and Bridge Day' in Iran and demanded Tehran 'open the fuckin' Strait.' He reiterated that options exist beyond infrastructure targets, describing them as worse but declining specifics.

This ultimatum comes amid a conflict that began on February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched hundreds of airstrikes across Iran, targeting nuclear sites, air defenses, missiles, and assassinating Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with other officials. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases, Israel, and allies in the Middle East, then effectively closed the Strait around March 4 by threatening and attacking transiting vessels.

The blockade has disrupted global energy markets, spiking oil prices and causing fuel shortages in Asia while raising U.S. gasoline costs by nearly 20 percent since late February. Trump has extended multiple deadlines for reopening the strait, linking it to broader ceasefire talks.

Iran rejected a proposed 45-day truce on Monday, demanding a permanent end to hostilities, sanctions relief, and no further attacks. Tehran views temporary pauses as opportunities for adversaries to regroup. Trump called the proposal a 'significant step' but insufficient without Hormuz access.

Trump also detailed a recent U.S. special operations rescue of crew members from an F-15E Strike Eagle downed over Iran on April 3. One airman evaded capture deep in hostile territory before extraction, with Trump emphasizing, 'We leave no American behind.' He threatened jail time for leakers who revealed operational delays.

The president dismissed concerns over targeting civilian infrastructure amounting to war crimes, stating he hopes action proves unnecessary. He portrayed the conflict as liberating for Iranians, claiming they 'want to hear bombs' to achieve freedom and would overthrow their regime if armed. Trump expressed interest in seizing Iranian oil fields but deferred to public sentiment favoring a quick resolution.

As the deadline approaches, markets remain volatile, with analysts watching for U.S. military moves. Trump insisted the ultimatum stands as final, amid Iran's vows of severe retaliation.