President Donald Trump warned on Monday that the United States would target every bridge and power plant in Iran by Tuesday night unless a deal is reached to open the Strait of Hormuz. During a White House press conference, he detailed a successful rescue mission for two downed U.S. airmen while evading questions on potential war crimes. Iran rejected a proposed ceasefire amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by regional mediators.
President Donald Trump held a lengthy press conference at the White House on April 6, flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. The event focused on the rescue of two U.S. airmen whose F-15 fighter jet was shot down by Iranian forces in western Iran last Friday. Trump described the operation as a 'massive' effort involving 155 aircraft, including bombers and refueling tankers, that extracted the badly injured weapons systems officer from a mountain crevice after nearly two days on the run. 'In the U.S. military, we leave no American behind,' Trump said, calling the decision 'risky' but essential despite Iranian bounties and searches complicating the mission. He blamed media leaks for endangering the airmen, vowing to pursue leakers and demanding outlets reveal sources under threat of jail, though he named no specific company. CBS News, The New York Times, and CNN were among the first to report the incident, citing U.S. officials. Trump reiterated threats posted on social media over the Easter weekend, including profane demands to 'Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards.' He specified strikes on 'every bridge' and 'every power plant' would commence Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET—termed 'Power Plant Day and Bridge Day'—if Iran does not comply, potentially over four hours and devastating recovery for a century. Asked if such actions constituted war crimes, Trump replied, 'I hope I don't have to do it,' while claiming many Iranians support the strikes against their regime. Iran rejected a 45-day U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal via mediators like Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, countering with demands for a permanent end, sanctions relief, and compensation. Iranian officials condemned the threats as desperation and incitement to atrocities, per state media. The war, now over five weeks old, has seen U.S. strikes on more than 13,000 targets, yet Iran maintains its blockade, driving U.S. gas prices to $4 per gallon.
