Trump says we're 'blowing up the whole country' if Iran doesn't make deal in 48 hours

Two C-130 aircraft were lost during the operation, an official said.

Last Updated: April 6, 2026, 1:24 AM EDT

President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes attack targeting military and government sites, officials said.

Watch special coverage on Nightline, "War with Iran," each night on ABC and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Apr 05, 2026, 1:15 PM EDT

Trump says if Iran fails to make a deal in 48 hours 'we're blowing up the whole country'

President Donald Trump told ABC News on Sunday that if Iran doesn't make a peace deal in 48 hours, "we're blowing up the whole country."

In a phone interview with ABC News' senior political correspondent Rachel Scott, Trump said he expects the Iranian government to make a deal in "days, not weeks."

"If it happens, it happens. And if it doesn't, we're blowing up the whole country," Trump said. "We're blowing up, as I said, it's going to be bridge day and it's going to be power plant day in the country of Iran."

President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation about the Iran war at the White House in Washington, April 1, 2026.
Alex Brandon/Pool/EPA/Shutterstock

Trump said "very little" is "off limits" if no deal is made. Asked if that meant targets would include civilian infrastructure, Trump replied, "I don't want to talk about that."

Trump also said he hasn't ruled out sending ground troops to Iran.

"I don't think it's necessary, but I don't rule anything out," Trump said.

When asked if he'll extend the deadline to give Iran more time to make a peace deal, Trump said, "They have plenty of time to make a deal."

"They don't want to make a deal; their whole country is gone," Trump said.

-ABC News' Rachel Scott

Apr 05, 2026, 2:13 PM EDT

Qatar says it intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran

The Qatari Ministry of Defense said its armed forces on Sunday intercepted two cruise missiles and a number of drones launched at Qatar from Iran.

"Our Armed Forces, by the grace of God, successfully intercepted all drones and both cruise missiles," the Ministry of Defense said in a social media post.

The post did not note whether anyone had been injured.

-ABC News' Rashid Haddou

Apr 05, 2026, 9:39 AM EDT

Netanyahu congratulates Trump on US airman rescue

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday congratulated President Donald Trump for the U.S. military rescue of a downed airman inside Iran.

"Congratulations President Donald Trump! All Israelis rejoice in the incredible rescue of a brave American pilot by America's dauntless warriors," Netanyahu wrote, in part. "This proves that when free societies muster their courage and their resolve, they can confront seemingly insurmountable odds and overcome the forces of darkness and terror."

Netanyahu went on to say that the rescue "reinforces the sacred principle: no one is left behind. This is a shared value demonstrated time and time again in the history of both our countries."

"President Trump, Donald, my dear friend, once again your decisive leadership brought another great victory to America," Netanyahu said. "I salute you! We all do!"

ABC News' Rashid Haddou-Riffi

Apr 05, 2026, 9:02 AM EDT

Trump makes profane threat about Strait of Hormuz after pilot rescue

President Donald Trump is threatening to attack Iran's power plants and bridges on Tuesday if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully opened by then.

In a profanity-filled post on his social media platform on Sunday, Trump said to the Iranian regime in part, "you'll be living in Hell" if it did not open the critical maritime shipping channel for oil and trade.

"Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!" Trump wrote in the post.

Trump posted his statement just minutes after offering some details of the rescue that unfolded "deep inside the mountains of Iran" of an F-15E crew member, whom he described as a "respected colonel" after his aircraft was downed on Friday by Iranian fire. Trump said the colonel was seriously wounded and was rescued as "the Iranian Military was looking hard, in big numbers, and getting close."

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