Iran command rejects Trump’s ‘helpless, nervous’ ultimatum

Iran’s central military command on Saturday (April 4, 206) rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy the country’s vital infrastructure if it does not accept a peace deal within 48 hours.

General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, in a statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Mr. Trump’s threat was a “a helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action”.

And, echoing the religious language of Mr. Trump’s social media post, he warned that “the simple meaning of this message is that the gates of hell will open for you”.

Iran warned the U.S. and Israel that the “entire region will become a hell for you” if ‌attacks ⁠escalated, according to Iranian media reports. Washington faced heightened stakes as the conflict entered its sixth week, with the prospect of a U.S. service member alive ⁠and on the run in Iran, slim chances for peace talks and polls showing low public support for the war.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday (April 4, 2026) that Tehran had 48 hours left to cut a deal or face “all Hell”, as U.S. and Iranian forces scrambled to find a downed American airman.

“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social, referring to an ultimatum issued on March 26.

“Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them.”

(With inputs from Reuters)