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 04, 2026, 10:59 AM EDT

Trump says Iran has 48 hours to open the Strait of Hormuz or face more strikes

President Donald Trump reiterated his previously-delayed threat to strike Iran’s energy sites if it does not open the Strait of Hormuz— saying it now has 48 hours to comply.

“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT,” Trump wrote on social media.

He added, “Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!”

President Donald Trump arrives from the Blue Room to speak about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House, April 1, 2026, in Washington.
Alex Brandon/AP

Trump said on March 26 that he would delay attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure by an additional 10 days in hopes of making a deal.

He issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran the weekend before, saying he would “obliterate” the country’s power plants if it did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Apr 04, 2026, 9:08 AM EDT

Iraqi oil facilities targeted by drones, border crossing closed after deadly strike

Three Iraqi oil facilities were targeted in drone attacks and a border crossing with Iran is closed after a deadly air strike, authorities said on Saturday.

The Al Barjasiyah oil complex along with the North Rumaila and Manjoon oil fields were targeted by several drones, the Basra Operations Command said.

One person was killed and five others injured after an airstrike at the Shalamchech border crossing with Iran, according to the head of the Border Ports Authority, Lieutenant General Omar Al-Waeli. The crossing is now closed.

Apr 04, 2026, 7:06 AM EDT

Iran says 1 killed in strike near Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant

Iran says a projectile has hit near the fence of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, killing a security guard.

An auxiliary building was also damaged but the incident is not believed to have damaged the main parts of the power plant, officials said.

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran announced the attack on social media. It is the fourth time the facility has been targeted during the war.

An infographic titled "Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant" created in Ankara, Turkey, on June 20, 2025.
Mehmet Yaren Bozgun/Anadolu via Getty Images, FILE

The International Atomic Energy Agency were informed by Iran following the strike and and it reported that there was no increase in radiation levels at the plant.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed “deep concern" about the reported incident and reiterated a call for "maximum military restraint to avoid risk of a nuclear accident.”

-ABC News' Rashid Haddou

Apr 04, 2026, 2:46 AM EDT

Italian PM Meloni makes 'surprise' visit to Gulf countries

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni departed from Jeddah on Saturday morning, the first stop on her visit to the Gulf region, during which she is also scheduled to meet with the leaders of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, after she was received on Friday night by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the defensive military assistance provided by Italy and exchanged views on the prospects of the Iran conflict amid ongoing efforts toward a diplomatic solution, officials said.

This handout photograph taken and released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani receiving Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during their meeting at Lusail Palace on April 4, 2026.
Qatar's Amiri Diwan via AFP via Getty Images

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss how to secure energy supplies and mitigate the conflict's impact on businesses and citizens.

The two leaders also agreed on the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.

-ABC News' Phoebe Natanson

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