Explosions in Tehran as Trump sets deadline for Iran deal, tensions escalate

Fresh explosions were reported in Tehran as Donald Trump increases pressure on Iran to reach a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

(NBC)- Fresh explosions were reported in Tehran as Donald Trump increases pressure on Iran to reach a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The president has set an 8:00 p.m. Eastern deadline, warning of severe consequences if an agreement is not reached.

“After that, they’re going to have no bridges. They’re going to have no power plants. Stone Ages, yeah,” Trump said.

At the same time, Israel is warning Iranian civilians to avoid using trains as tensions continue to rise.

Trump says negotiations are ongoing, though communication has been difficult, adding that Iran’s latest offer was “significant—but not good enough.”

Iran, however, continues to demand a permanent end to the war and has publicly rejected calls for a temporary ceasefire.

With the deadline looming, some lawmakers are pushing back.

Chris Van Hollen criticized the president’s remarks, saying, “What the President is doing is threatening war crimes.”

Trump denied that claim, responding, “No, not at all. No, no, no I’m not. I hope I don’t have to do it.”

Amid the escalating conflict, the president also highlighted the rescue of two American airmen whose F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran last week.

Officials say the pilot was located first, while a second airman—a wounded colonel and weapons systems officer—evaded capture for nearly 48 hours by hiding in a mountain crevice.

“He scaled cliff faces bleeding rather profusely, treated his own wounds and contacted American forces to transmit his location,” Trump said.

The rescue operation reportedly involved hundreds of U.S. troops, with both service members safely recovered.