Trump warns Iran strike imminent as he says ‘8 pm is happening’

US president threatens unprecedented attack while backchannel negotiations continue
President Donald Trump takes questions from reporters after signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, March 31, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump takes questions from reporters after signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, March 31, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON, DC: Fox News Bret Baier reported that Donald Trump confirmed plans for a potential military strike on Iran if negotiations fail by Tuesday at 8 pm.

Speaking on air, Baier said Trump told him plainly: “8 pm is happening,” referring to a possible large-scale attack.

Baier said the president warned that if the deadline passes without a deal, Iran could face “an attack like they have never seen.”

However, Trump indicated the situation remains fluid, suggesting that progress in negotiations could still alter the course of events.

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the Oval Office of the White House, on St. Patrick's Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Trump speaks during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the Oval Office of the White House, on St Patrick's Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump says diplomatic window still open

Despite the hardline stance, Trump reportedly said he does not want to carry out the attack and is using the threat to push Tehran back to the negotiating table.

Officials said that if “something concrete” emerges from talks, the planned military action could be reconsidered.

According to reports, Iran has halted direct communication with the United States following Trump’s earlier warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight.”

The move has complicated diplomatic efforts but has not entirely derailed ongoing negotiations through intermediaries.

This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows aircraft on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) that are operating in support of the war in Iran, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (U.S. Navy via AP)
This image, provided by US Central Command, shows aircraft on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) operating in support of the war in Iran, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (U.S. Navy via AP)

Mediators continue ceasefire talks

Backchannel discussions involving regional mediators are still underway, with Middle Eastern officials indicating that efforts to reach a deal before the deadline are continuing.

While the pause in direct contact has slowed progress, it has not ruled out a last-minute agreement.

Trump’s remarks earlier in the day sparked widespread alarm, as he framed the moment as a historic turning point while hinting at “complete and total regime change” in Iran.

The escalating rhetoric has heightened fears of a major military confrontation, even as diplomatic channels remain active behind the scenes.

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