"They better behave": Trump rules out setting any deadline for Iran before bombing its bridges
Pennsylvania, July 16
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that he does not like setting deadlines when asked whether he had given Iran any ultimatum before ordering the bombing of its bridges, while warning that Tehran "better behave" amid a renewed exchange of fire between the two sides in West Asia following the collapse of the memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict in the region.
Responding to a query when Trump has given Terhan any deadline before he initiates strikes on civilian assets inside the Islamic Republic, Trump said, "I don't like giving deadlines, but they pretty much know--they know the story. They better behave."
Trump made the remarks after arriving in Pennsylvania, where he is participating in the Pennsylvania Defence and Innovation Summit.
On Tuesday, Trump, during an interview with Fox News, warned that the United States would start targeting Iranian power plants and bridges "next week" as part of its border strikes on the Islamic Republic, unless Tehran returns to the negotiating table.
He further cautioned that Iran would not "have anybody left" if it failed to reach a deal with Washington.
"We're going to hit them very hard tomorrow night. We're going to hit them very hard the night after, and then next week it gets really bad for them, because next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges. We're going to knock out all their power plants. We're going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate," Trump told Fox News.
Trump's remarks come as US military strikes on Iran have continued following the collapse of the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran to end the hostilities in West Asia.
According to CNN, US and Iranian representatives remain in contact, but the Trump administration has maintained that negotiations cannot move forward while Iran continues to limit maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Asked about the duration of the military campaign, Trump said the strikes would continue until he decides otherwise.
The US President also declined to rule out the possibility of deploying American ground troops to Iran, although he indicated that he preferred other options.
"Sometimes you need a ground campaign, but we have other people that will do the ground campaign for us," Trump added.
Trump also increased pressure on Tehran to reach an agreement with Washington, warning that Iran faced severe consequences if it refused.
"You better make a deal," Trump said, adding, "You're not going to have anybody left."
Trump further stated that the US was taking precautions to minimise civilian casualties.
"We're being very careful with the civilian population," Trump said, before repeating, "But I said, you better make a deal. You're not going to have anything left."
According to Trump, the warning was conveyed during the latest communication between US representatives and Iranian officials, which he said took place "about an hour ago."
When asked whether he believed Iran would agree to a deal, Trump responded, "They should. I don't know if they will or not."
This came after the US Central Command said that it has resumed the naval blockade targeting vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas, hours after an "additional round of strikes" against the Islamic Republic amid the escalating tensions in West Asia.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I can't support this kind of saber-rattling. We've had our own border tensions and know that threats rarely lead to peace. Trump should learn from India's approach—we maintain dialogue even with adversaries. This "bomb the bridges" rhetoric is dangerous. Iran has its own interests and pride. You can't bully a nation into submission, especially one with Iran's history and strategic depth. The Indian government should urge restraint and offer mediation if possible. 🙏
Honestly, I'm tired of America thinking it's the world's policeman. India has maintained good relations with Iran historically—we need their oil and they're a crucial partner in Chabahar port. Trump's threats threaten our energy security and strategic interests. Also, targeting "bridges and power plants" is collective punishment on civilians. If the US wants Iran to negotiate, maybe don't destroy their infrastructure first? Common sense, yaar. 🤦♂️
From an Indian POV, I'm worried about our 9 million Indians working in the Gulf. Any major conflict in the region puts their lives and livelihoods at risk. Plus, oil prices are already high. Trump's "you'll have nobody left" comment is chilling. We need the international community—including India—to step in and de-escalate. This is not just America's problem; it affects the entire world, especially energy-importing nations like us. The US should try diplomacy instead of issuing ultimatums.
I have to respectfully disagree with some comments here. Let's not forget Iran's own provocations—they've been attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which is a threat to global trade including India's. Trump's no-nonsense approach is aimed at ending this standoff. But yes, threatening civilian infrastructure like power plants and bridges crosses a line. There must be a better way. India
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.