Iran war live: Tehran rejects Trump’s Tuesday deadline on Strait of Hormuz
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Story Timeline
April 2026
Trump hails destruction of Iran’s tallest bridge, warns of ‘much more to follow’
US President Donald Trump claimed the destruction of Iran's tallest bridge, the B1 bridge in Karaj, Alborz province, following threats to bomb the country. The strike, according to Iranian state media, resulted in eight deaths and 95 injuries. Trump posted footage of the damaged bridge online, warning of further destruction if Iran doesn't negotiate an end to the ongoing five-week war. He urged Iran to make a deal before further losses. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that striking civilian infrastructure would not force Iran to surrender. Independent verification of the strike's details is currently limited due to reporting restrictions.
Iran's tallest bridge collapses after reported US airstrikes; Iran threatens American allies in retaliation
Iran's tallest bridge, the B1 highway bridge near Tehran, collapsed following reports of U.S. airstrikes, according to President Trump. The strike, reportedly aimed at disrupting drone and missile supply lines, resulted in civilian casualties. Trump urged Iran to negotiate a deal to avoid further escalation. Iranian state TV reported the bridge was struck twice and warned of retaliation, claiming the military identified bridges in American-allied Middle Eastern nations as potential targets. These nations include Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and the Jordan-West Bank region. Iran is reportedly considering plans to rebuild the bridge.
Watch: Trump's shifting deadlines for ending Iran war
In a primetime address on Wednesday, Donald Trump discussed the US-Israeli military operation in Iran, stating that its core strategic objectives were "nearing completion" after one month of war. He projected the conflict would last an additional two to three weeks. However, the BBC's Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, noted that Trump's timelines regarding the war have been inconsistent. The address, intended to provide clarity on the situation, left several questions unanswered about the future of the conflict. The location of the address was not specified in the article.
‘Which interests being served by war?’ Iran’s Pezeshkian asks US public
In an open letter to the American public, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian questioned the benefits of the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. Published on April 1, 2026, the letter urges Americans to critically examine whose interests are being served by the conflict. Pezeshkian refuted portrayals of Iran as a threat, citing previous attacks during nuclear negotiations and emphasizing the detrimental effects of targeting Iranian infrastructure. He argued that such actions constitute war crimes, destabilize the region, and damage the United States' global standing. The letter was released shortly after President Trump threatened further military action against Iran if the Strait of Hormuz remained closed.
Iran’s president sends message to Americans in unusual open letter
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the American public in an unusual open letter on Wednesday, criticizing the US's actions against Iran. He described the conflict as costly and futile for the United States, arguing that confrontation is less beneficial than peace. Pezeshkian highlighted Iran's historical resilience against aggressors, suggesting the US's approach is misguided. He questioned the benefits of the conflict for the American people and the justification for it, implying there was no real threat from Iran. The letter is seen as an attempt to influence US public opinion and indirectly push for de-escalation.
Key Claims
Donald Trump has set a Tuesday deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face “hell”.
— Al Jazeera Live
The US will hit Iranian power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened by Tuesday.
— Donald Trump
Iran says it will respond “in kind” to any attacks on its infrastructure.
— Iranian officials
Senior Iranian officials condemned the US president’s remarks as “incitement to war crimes”.
— Iranian officials
Donald Trump has set a Tuesday deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face “hell”.
— Al Jazeera Live
March 2026
Iran says it has ‘will’ to end war, as Trump zigzags on escalation
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Iran has the "will" to end the ongoing war with the US and Israel, seeking guarantees against future conflict. This statement followed recent strikes on Iran and threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to retaliate against US tech companies, including Google, Meta, and Apple, for alleged complicity in the assassinations of Iranian leaders. The Guards threatened to target these companies' units if further assassinations occur. The war, initiated on February 28 by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the killing of Iran's supreme leader, has triggered regional retaliation. Trump's stance on further escalation, including potential ground troop deployment, versus negotiation remains unclear.
Key Claims
The Guards threatened to retaliate against leading US tech firms if more Iranian leaders were killed.
— Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Iran has the “necessary will” to end the war with the US and Israel.
— President Masoud Pezeshkian
Trump has zigzagged on whether Washington plans to further escalate the war.
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched the war on February 28.
December 2025
Iran president says US, Israel, Europe waging ‘full-fledged war’ on country
In December 2025, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the U.S., Israel, and Europe are waging a "full-fledged war" against Iran, aiming to destabilize the country. His remarks precede a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, and follow strikes on Iran by Israel and the U.S. six months prior, as well as the reimposition of UN sanctions by European nations. Pezeshkian asserted that Iran's military is now stronger and would respond decisively to any future attacks. He characterized this conflict as more complex and difficult than the 1980-1988 war with Iraq. The U.S. and its allies accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies.
Iranian president says his country is at 'total war' with the US, Israel and Europe: reports
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is in a "total war" with the U.S., Israel, and Europe, claiming these Western powers aim to weaken the country. He argued this conflict is more complex than the Iran-Iraq war, citing multifaceted pressures on Iran's livelihood, culture, politics, and security. Pezeshkian asserted that Iran's military has grown stronger since the June conflict with Israel and is prepared for a decisive response to any future attacks. His remarks were published before a scheduled meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Tensions remain high following the June conflict that resulted in deaths in both Iran and Israel, and U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
Key Claims
Iranian President says his country is at 'total war' with the US, Israel and Europe.
— Masoud Pezeshkian
Pezeshkian said that he believes the Western powers want to bring Iran "to its knees."
— Masoud Pezeshkian
On June 22, President Donald Trump announced U.S. forces had launched attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
— Donald Trump
A US-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect on June 24.
— null
Iranian President says his country is at 'total war' with the U.S., Israel and Europe.
— Masoud Pezeshkian