Former US President Donald Trump has intensified his bellicose rhetoric towards Iran, issuing stark warnings of imminent devastating strikes as a self-imposed deadline approaches. In a wide-ranging press conference, Trump branded Iran as "evil" and threatened to obliterate critical civilian infrastructure, declaring ominously that "the entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night."
'Amazing' Rescue Operation Detailed
Trump devoted significant time to recounting what he described as a "very historic" combat search and rescue mission for a US fighter jet pilot stranded in Iran after his aircraft was shot down last week. The President praised the pilot's resilience, noting he evaded capture for nearly 48 hours while injured, scaling cliff faces and treating his own wounds before contacting American forces using sophisticated equipment.
"It was an amazing, amazing thing," Trump said of the operation, which he claimed involved 155 aircraft including bombers, fighters, refuelling tankers, and rescue planes. He detailed elaborate deception tactics employed to confuse Iranian loyalists, stating: "We wanted them to think he was in a different location... Thousands of people were looking... So we were scattered all over."
Hunt for 'Sick Leaker' Announced
The former President turned his ire toward an alleged government leaker who he claimed revealed details about the downed pilot, asserting Iranians were unaware a pilot was missing until media reports emerged. "We have to find that leaker, because that is a sick person," Trump told reporters, vowing to jail the journalist who broke the story.
Scathing Criticism of UK and NATO
In characteristic fashion, Trump used the platform to launch fresh criticism at traditional allies, expressing particular disappointment with Britain's response to the Iran conflict. "UK of all I would have said they would have been first as they were the oldest," Trump remarked, before dismissing British military capabilities: "They have two old broken aircraft carriers that barely work."
He also lambasted NATO broadly, stating: "I was very disappointed with NATO, it is a mark on NATO that will never disappear in my mind," regarding the alliance's response to the ongoing tensions.
Iran Given Final Warning
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed Trump's threats, warning Iranian leaders they should "choose wisely" and that "this president does not play around." Hegseth added that "Iran's military is embarrassed and humiliated and they should be," in what appeared to be a veiled suggestion that Tehran should negotiate to avoid catastrophic strikes.
The warnings follow Trump's recent social media post on TruthSocial which declared: "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F*****' Strait, you crazy b******, or you'll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH!"
Trump set a specific deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz: Tuesday at 8.00 P.M. Eastern Time (Wednesday 1am UK time), though what precise actions might follow remains unclear should the ultimatum be ignored.
