On Monday, President Donald Trump is set to address the press in the White House briefing room, where he is anticipated to elaborate on the recent “daring” rescue operation involving a U.S. airman after his fighter jet was downed in Iran.
During the White House Easter Egg Roll, Trump expressed admiration for the pilots involved in the rescue, stating, “Those two pilots were incredible, brave, and we thank them.”
However, the backdrop of the president’s remarks will include a pressing ultimatum for Iran to either negotiate a peace agreement or reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Failure to comply could result in significant U.S. military strikes targeting essential infrastructure, including energy and water systems.
At the Easter event, Trump commented on Iran’s current state, saying, “Right now they’re not too strong at all, in my opinion. But we’re soon going to find out, aren’t we?”
In an interview with ABC News Senior Political Correspondent Rachel Scott on Sunday, Trump warned that if a peace deal with Iran is not reached within the next two days, “we’re blowing up the entire country.”
This is not the first time Trump has extended deadlines for Iranian compliance with his demands. In a recent post on his social media platform, he warned the Iranian government that they “will be living in Hell” if they do not reopen the crucial shipping lane for oil and trade.
In his post, Trump declared, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!”
Experts caution that targeting civilian infrastructure could be considered war crimes and violate international law, a concern echoed by Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to these issues last week, stating, “Of course, this administration and the United States Armed Forces will always act within the confines of the law.”
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, remarked on X that if the U.S. were to attack power plants, Iran would respond decisively and immediately, with consequences that could lead to regret.
As tensions escalate, uncertainty persists regarding the status of negotiations between the U.S. and Tehran. Last week, Trump indicated that discussions were ongoing with “much more reasonable” leaders in Iran.
In response to reports regarding a new draft proposal that suggests a 45-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a White House official informed ABC News that this is merely one of several ideas under consideration and that President Trump has not yet approved it. “Operation Epic Fury continues. President Trump will speak more at 1 p.m.,” the official stated.
When questioned about the ceasefire proposal, Trump remarked at the Easter event that he had seen “every proposal,” adding, “It’s a significant step. It’s not good enough, but it’s a very significant step.”
According to a Pakistani security official, Iran has made it clear that it will not agree to a ceasefire without “suitable guarantees.”
