U.S. President Donald Trump, flanked by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, gestures as he speaks during a press conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 6, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
KEVIN LAMARQUE
Trump on Monday promises strikes on Iran’s civilian infrastructure if Tehran doesn’t capitulate by 8 pm Eastern time Tuesday, Iran on Monday rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal and said it wants a permanent end to the war.
“The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night,” Trump told a news conference at the White House. He has called his Tuesday 8 pm deadline for Iran to make a deal final.
The US stepped up threats against Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face a barrage of attacks on civilian targets. “Today will be the largest volume of strikes since day one,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said. “Tomorrow, even more than today.” Asked about accusations of war crimes if the US widens attacks against Iran’s bridges and power plants, Trump responded, “No, not at all.” Asked why Iranians would want him to carry out the threat, he said citizens are “willing to suffer…in order to have freedom.”
Published on April 7, 2026
