President Donald Trump said Monday evening that his deadline for Iran to reach an agreement remains unchanged, warning that failure to comply could lead to a devastating military response against Tehran.

In remarks delivered publicly, Trump issued a stark warning about the potential consequences. “The entire country [of Iran] can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night” Trump said. His comments followed Iran’s rejection of a temporary ceasefire proposal and its counter-demands, which included ending regional conflicts, ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, and lifting all sanctions.

Trump reiterated that time is running out while noting some movement in talks. “Tuesday is the deadline. The Iranians have made an offer, a significant offer, a significant step. It’s not enough, but a very significant step. They are negotiating now and they have made a very significant step.”

He added that the current Iranian interlocutors appear different from previous representatives. “The group we are talking to is not as extreme as the previous one – and it is also smarter,” the president claimed.

Despite pointing to possible progress, Trump coupled his remarks with renewed threats of force. “We are crushing this country. I hate to do that. If they don’t make a deal, they won’t have bridges, power plants or anything else. If I had a choice – I would take their oil. But the American people want to see the soldiers come home. The American people want to see us win,” Trump clarified.

Iran’s refusal came after Pakistan proposed a phased plan to both sides, calling for an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, followed by negotiations aimed at a comprehensive agreement within 15 to 20 days.

Trump also referenced the recent rescue of a downed American airman inside Iran, describing it as a major military achievement. “We’re here today to celebrate the success of one of the largest, most complex, most harrowing, combat searches, I guess you would call it a search-and-rescue mission, ever attempted by the military.”

He claimed the Iranians became aware of the missing crew member due to an internal leak. “We have to get that leaker” he said, adding that the individual responsible would face imprisonment once identified.

Following Trump’s remarks, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned that military operations are intensifying. “the amount of bombing today in Iran will be the highest since the beginning of the war – tomorrow, even more than today. And Iran has a choice. Choose wisely because this president does not play around.”

CIA Director John Ratcliffe said intelligence efforts played a critical role in the successful rescue mission. “a deception campaign to confuse the Iranians who were desperately hunting for our airmen.”

Ratcliffe added that the operation achieved its central objective. “We achieved our primary objective by finding and providing confirmation that one of America’s best and bravest was alive and concealed in a mountain crevice, still invisible to the enemy, but not to the CIA,” Ratcliffe said.