Donald Trump said Monday that his self-imposed Tuesday deadline for Iran to reach a deal is final and “highly unlikely” to be extended, warning that failure could trigger sweeping U.S. attacks on Iranian infrastructure.
Speaking during an Easter event at the White House, Trump described Tehran’s latest proposal as “significant” but ultimately insufficient.
“They made a proposal — it’s a significant step. It’s not good enough,” he said.
The U.S. president has repeatedly threatened broad military action if an agreement is not reached by Tuesday night, as a five-week conflict between the two sides continues to escalate.
Trump dismissed criticism that targeting infrastructure could constitute war crimes, arguing instead that Iran’s nuclear ambitions pose the greater threat.
“I’m not worried about it. You know what’s a war crime? Having a nuclear weapon,” he said.
Despite the tensions, Trump said negotiations — conducted indirectly through intermediaries including Pakistan — suggest Iran is engaging “in good faith,” though key demands remain unmet.
At the center of talks is a U.S. push for Iran to abandon nuclear weapons ambitions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. Tehran, for its part, has demanded a permanent end to the war rather than a temporary ceasefire.
Trump indicated no willingness to grant further time beyond the extended 10-day window he had already approved.
“They asked for seven days. I gave them 10. At the end of that — if they don’t get there — all hell’s going to break out,” he said.
He also suggested the current Iranian negotiating team is more pragmatic than previous officials killed in airstrikes.
“We think they’re actually smarter,” Trump said.
In a controversial remark, Trump added that while he personally favors taking control of Iran’s oil resources, such a move would likely not be supported domestically.