President Donald Trump holds a press conference at the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington on April 6, 2026. [Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Reuters]

President Donald Trump held a press conference at the White House on the 6th (Monday) to brief on the rescue of two U.S. pilots from Iran.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of War Pete Hegses, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan "Razen" Kane also attended the press conference.

At the event, President Trump reiterated that Iran would face severe consequences if it did not comply with U.S. demands by 8 p.m. Tuesday.

"They have until 8 p.m. tomorrow night," President Trump said. "This is a very important time. We will know soon."

He showcased America's overwhelming military power, stating that it could quickly neutralize Iran if necessary.

Responding to a reporter's question, President Trump said, "By around 12 a.m. Tuesday night, all bridges in Iran will be destroyed," and added, "Iranian power plants will be completely destroyed and will never operate again."

This implies the complete devastation of Iran's infrastructure through intense bombing for four hours, from 8 p.m. to midnight.

He added that Iran would "only need American help" to restore its infrastructure, estimating that it would take "20 years" to rebuild.

The destruction of power plants is particularly understood as a "final blow" in that it would also cripple Iran's oil refining facilities, oil production, and exports.

Regarding the demolition of Iran's Bridge B1 over the weekend, he revealed that he ordered its destruction after receiving reports that negotiations might collapse at the time. Trump stated that the bridge was demolished within 10 minutes of the order being given.

However, he emphasized that the Iranian people are not enemies and that many are desperately seeking freedom after decades of oppression under the current regime.

Citing intercepted intelligence indicating that some Iranians urged continued U.S. pressure, even at the risk of danger, President Trump said, "They want freedom."

He stated that ordinary Iranians have been suppressed for speaking out, including through executions and the use of lethal force against protesters.

"They were warned that if they protested, they would be shot immediately," he said, describing a climate of fear that prevented many from taking to the streets.

Trump asserted that the desire for freedom among the Iranian people remains strong, and they are even willing to accept the demolition of power plants.

"The Iranian people are willing to endure that pain to gain their freedom," he added, suggesting that many Iranians see U.S. pressure as a path to change.

While regime change is not an official objective, the President suggested that a change in leadership could lead to a less radical and more stable Iran. He again referenced the model of regime change in Venezuela.

"We are dealing with a very different regime than before," President Trump said, while emphasizing that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is the administration's top priority.

However, he did not specify who the negotiating parties are. "I can't comment on a ceasefire, but I can say that there is an active and willing participant on the other side. They also want an agreement. I can't say more than that," he stated.

By Hong Sung-goo, Chief Editor, U.S. NNP / Special Correspondent for this Newspaper NNP info@newsandpost.com