President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington on April 6, 2026. ALEX BRANDON / AP
US President Donald Trump said Monday, April 6, he would lay waste to every bridge and power plant in Iran if it fails to bend to his demands, as he touted the high-risk operation that rescued two downed airmen. Dismissing accusations that such a move would be a war crime, Trump told a White House press conference that "the entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night."
The president gave lengthy opening remarks on the recovery of two F-15 crew members recovered from behind enemy lines in Iran, which he compared to finding a "needle in a haystack." But Trump also doubled down on his threats of destruction before his self-imposed deadline for Tehran's leaders that is due to expire on Tuesday at 8:00 pm (0000 GMT Wednesday).
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US and Israel increasingly target Iran's civilian infrastructure
