US Threatens Iran with ‘Obliteration’ Over Strait of Hormuz

US Issues Ultimatum to Iran, Threatens ‘Obliteration’

The United States has issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, threatening severe consequences if the country does not open the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump announced a deadline, stating that after tomorrow, Iran would be “sent back to the stone ages” with its infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, destroyed. The deadline, set for 8:00 AM Eastern time, was described as a critical moment that would determine the future of U.S. operations in the region.

Secretary of War Pete Hegsath confirmed that the U.S. was launching a significant number of strikes, more than any day since the start of Operation Epic Fury. Even more strikes were planned before the deadline, leaving the final decision to Iran. “Choose wisely because this president does not play around,” Hegsath warned, referencing past actions against figures like Soleimani and Maduro.

White House correspondent Libby Dean reported that if Iran failed to meet the deadline and open the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. president threatened to target civilian infrastructure, including energy sites and bridges. The president stated, “The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night. I mean, complete demolition by 12:00 and it’ll happen over a period of four hours if we wanted to.”

Behind the Scenes Diplomacy

Despite the aggressive rhetoric, behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts were underway to avoid a major escalation. The president acknowledged that he believed the Iranians were negotiating in good faith, but the outcome remained uncertain as the deadline approached.

High-Risk Rescue Mission Highlights US Military Prowess

The tense situation with Iran was underscored by a dramatic rescue mission over the weekend. After an F-15 was shot down by Iran, the U.S. military launched an operation to rescue two service members who had ejected over enemy territory. This mission, which did not receive unanimous support among military officials due to its high risk, involved 150 U.S. aircraft and hundreds of special operations troops.

The operation was described as incredibly dangerous but successfully retrieved the airmen. Some troops sustained injuries from enemy fire but are recovering. The Pentagon’s last-minute cancellation of a scheduled briefing hours before the Iran deadline added to the sense of urgency and high stakes.

Veterans Weigh In on Rescue Operation

Former Army helicopter pilot Amber Smith and former Navy Top Gun Pilot Matthew Whiz Buckley discussed the rescue mission. General Dan Kaine’s statement, “We will never leave one of our own behind. We will move heaven and earth to ensure that we bring you home regardless of the cost,” resonated with their experiences.

Smith emphasized that the U.S. military’s commitment to rescuing its personnel sets it apart globally. “You have the faith that the military is coming to get you in case anything happens,” she stated, drawing from her own combat experience. Buckley highlighted the effectiveness of the military’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training, which enabled the rescued pilot to survive.

The scale of the operation, involving extensive aircraft and personnel, was seen as a powerful display of U.S. military capability. Both veterans expressed pride in the mission’s success and the speed with which it was executed, noting that contingency plans were crucial given the risks. Buckley pointed out the mission’s success rate, stating, “We just showed the radical Islamic regime that we can fight our way deep into your country… and fight our way home.”

President’s Social Media Post Sparks Controversy

Adding to the charged atmosphere, President Trump posted a controversial message on social media directed at the Iranian regime: “Open the effing straight, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in hell.” This post drew criticism from some Democrats and conservatives, with a few even calling for the invocation of the 25th Amendment. Prediction markets showed a notable chance of such an action being taken.

Radio host Jason Rants argued that such language reflects the reality of high-level diplomacy, especially when dealing with regimes like Iran’s. He suggested that Democrats were being disingenuous in their outrage, contrasting it with their own past use of strong language. Political contributor Chris Han, however, condemned the post, stating that the president, as a representative of the nation, must be more careful with his words. Han also accused the president of promising war crimes and damaging U.S. goodwill and alliances.

The discussion highlighted a division in how President Trump’s direct communication style is perceived: as a transparent reflection of tough negotiations or as an inappropriate and potentially dangerous approach for a head of state.

Artemis Crew Makes History in Space

In parallel with the geopolitical tensions, the Artemis 2 crew achieved a historic milestone in space exploration. They successfully completed a lunar flyby, traveling further from Earth than any humans in history, surpassing the record set by Apollo 13. The Orion spacecraft ventured to the far side of the moon, experiencing a planned 40-minute communication blackout.

Commander Reed Weissman, during the mission, named an unnamed crater on the moon after his late wife, Carol, who had encouraged him to continue his astronaut career. This emotional moment was broadcast live, showcasing the human element within these monumental achievements.

President Trump spoke with the Artemis 2 astronauts, congratulating them on their historic journey. He reiterated his commitment to NASA and the Space Force, emphasizing a vision for America to return to the lunar surface, establish a permanent presence, and eventually journey to Mars. “America is back in many ways stronger than ever before,” he declared, highlighting the nation’s renewed focus on space exploration.

The Artemis crew shared their experiences, describing the awe of seeing lunar landscapes from a new perspective and witnessing celestial events like the sun’s corona and the alignment of planets. Astronaut Jeremy Hansen from Canada expressed gratitude for U.S. leadership in space exploration, noting how it enables international cooperation on ambitious goals.

Source: President Trump's 'Hell'" ultimatum expires | Katie Pavlich Tonight Full Show 4/6 (YouTube)