Trump Issues 48-Hour Deadline to Iran as Search Continues for Missing U.S. Pilot

CAIRO/WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has given Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to reach a deal to end the ongoing conflict while U.S. and Iranian forces continue searching for an American pilot missing after two warplanes were downed over Iran and the Gulf.

The presence of a missing U.S. service member has heightened tensions, with the conflict entering its sixth week amid limited prospects for peace talks. Public support for the war remains low, and polls indicate growing unease in the U.S.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi signaled openness to talks mediated by Pakistan but emphasized that Tehran would not accept terms imposed by Washington. “We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts… What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war imposed on us,” he said.

Trump, who has sent mixed signals throughout the conflict, alternating between hints of diplomacy and threats of escalation, reiterated on Saturday that attacks on Iran could intensify if a deal is not reached or if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. “Time is running out 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them,” he said in a post on Truth Social.

The war has already caused thousands of casualties, triggered an energy crisis, and raised fears of long-term damage to the global economy. Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

Recent confrontations have highlighted Iran’s growing air-defense capabilities. Iranian forces shot down a two-seat U.S. F-15E, and one crew member has been recovered, officials said. Two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters involved in the search were hit by Iranian fire but safely left Iranian airspace. Separately, an A-10 Warthog fighter crashed over Kuwait after being struck, though its pilot ejected safely.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed targeting areas in Israel and U.S. positions in Kuwait and Bahrain using missiles and drones. Israel reported that Iranian cluster missiles struck near its Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv and detected further missile launches.

In southwestern Iran, airstrikes reportedly hit a petrochemical zone, injuring five people, and a projectile struck an auxiliary building near the Bushehr nuclear plant, killing one person. Operations at the plant were reportedly unaffected. Russia’s state nuclear agency Rosatom evacuated 198 additional staff members from the site as a precaution.

Meanwhile, Israel conducted airstrikes against Iranian-backed Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon following attacks on Israeli territory.

The escalating situation underscores a precarious balance in the region, with both sides demonstrating military capabilities while diplomatic efforts remain tenuous.