US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a stark warning to Iran, saying the country could be “taken out” overnight if it fails to comply with a US deadline to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

“The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night,” Trump told a press conference alongside senior US military officials.

The remarks came as tensions escalated over the key waterway, a vital global oil transit route.

During the briefing, Trump also detailed what he described as a “historic” rescue operation to recover a US pilot whose aircraft went down inside Iran during a military mission.

According to Trump, the aircraft — identified as an F-15 fighter jet — crashed during operations, but both crew members successfully ejected.

One of the pilots sustained injuries and was being actively pursued by Iranian forces and local groups.

“I told the US military to bring them back no matter what. We don’t leave anyone behind,” Trump said.

He claimed the injured pilot managed to reach higher ground, treat his own wounds, and establish contact with US forces using a beacon-type device.

Trump said the rescue mission involved a large-scale deployment, including four bombers, 13 rescue aircraft, and a total of around 150 aircraft.

Forces spread across seven different locations to confuse Iranian responders before engaging on the ground.

US troops eventually secured the area, neutralised threats, and extracted the pilot approximately 48 hours after the crash, he said, adding that no American personnel were injured in the operation.

Trump also claimed that several low-flying US aircraft and helicopters came under heavy fire, sustaining multiple bullet impacts, but were rapidly repaired and returned safely.

He further stated that two older aircraft could not take off due to sandy conditions and were subsequently destroyed by US forces to prevent them from being examined.

The president alleged that Iran had announced a reward for capturing the downed pilot, though no independent confirmation was immediately available.

Describing the operation as “flawless,” Trump said it demonstrated the capability and resolve of US forces, while praising the Central Intelligence Agency for its role.

The CIA chief, he added, called it an operation akin to “finding a needle in a haystack.”