Trump's Iran ultimatum: strike or talk by 8pm
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- Trump threatened to destroy every bridge and power plant in Iran by 8pm ET, warning the entire country could be 'taken out in one night' if no deal is reached.
- Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey are pushing to extend Trump’s deadline, cautioning that Iranian decision-making is slow and urging the U.S. to allow more time for talks.
- Trump's negotiating team — JD Vance, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — is urging him to pursue a diplomatic deal, seeing a narrow opening for agreement despite the looming threat of force.
- Iran submitted a 10-point response to U.S. proposals, which the White House viewed as a negotiating gambit rather than a rejection, with amendments still in progress.
- White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly stated only Trump and his negotiators have insight into the talks, adding that energy sites and bridges will be hit 'harder than anyone thought possible' if no deal emerges.
- A U.S. source close to Trump said a U.S.-Israeli bombing plan is ready to execute, emphasizing tension will remain high until the 8pm deadline passes.
Why it matters: The U.S. and Iran are at the brink of war or a potential breakthrough, with Trump holding sole authority over a decision that could kill thousands and destabilize the region within hours. The 8pm deadline creates a hard pivot point: either a deal is visible by then, or military action becomes imminent, with real consequences for civilians and regional security.
