Trump brands Iran erasable 'in one night' as Hormuz strike deadline closes in
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald J Trump on Monday, April 6, delivered one of his strongest warnings yet to Iran, stating that the country could face sweeping military consequences if it fails to meet the Tuesday deadline tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking from the White House, Trump said Tehran has until 8.00 PM Eastern Time to comply, adding that potential action “might be tomorrow night” if no agreement is reached.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Iran:
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 6, 2026
"The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night." pic.twitter.com/xj0n6Xc0si
The remarks came as the president highlighted the successful recovery of a second US airman from a downed F-15 fighter jet, using the mission to underscore US military capability.
Trump said negotiations are ongoing, with Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff involved, but indicated that the time for a diplomatic resolution is limited.
Airman scales cliffs under heavy fire
Trump shared new details about the recovery operation, describing the rescued airman as “injured quite badly” after ejecting over Iranian territory.
Trump: He was injured quite badly and climbed into the treacherous mountain terrain and started climbing toward a higher altitude… he scaled cliff faces, bleeding rather profusely. pic.twitter.com/NGkdLixGtH
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 6, 2026
According to the president, the service member remained in hostile terrain for nearly 48 hours before being located.
He said the airman transmitted his position after moving across difficult terrain despite injuries. The area was described as active with Iranian forces, adding to the complexity of the mission.
US officials have not independently released full operational details, but confirmed earlier that a search-and-rescue effort was launched following the aircraft incident.
Massive 155-aircraft fleet secures extraction
The president said the recovery effort involved a large-scale deployment of US military assets. According to Trump, approximately 155 aircraft were used, including bombers, fighter jets, refueling tankers, and rescue units.
.@POTUS: "The second rescue mission involved 155 aircraft... We were bringing them all over, and a lot of it was subterfuge. We wanted to have them think he was in a different location because they had a vast military force out there. Thousands of people were looking." https://t.co/u0WZttiWI0 pic.twitter.com/aXYatUhqTI
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 6, 2026
He said the operation was completed without US casualties, despite reports of hostile fire during the extraction. One aircraft was reported to have sustained damage.
Trump pointed to the scale of the mission as evidence of US military reach, stating that such capabilities would factor into any next phase of operations if required.
Tuesday 8 PM deadline for infrastructure destruction
.@POTUS: "We are dealing with them. Essentially, they have until 8 o'clock tomorrow night, Eastern Time. But we are dealing with them... I think it's going fine, but we'll have to see. You have to understand, we've been dealing with these people for 47 years." pic.twitter.com/Nq7glhNPlw
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 6, 2026
Trump reiterated that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening or face additional strikes targeting infrastructure, including bridges and power systems.
He said discussions are continuing, but made clear that the deadline remains firm.
”I think it’s going well,” Trump said of the talks, while also warning of significant consequences if no agreement is reached.
