CNN military analyst: Trump's claim US can 'take out' Iran in one night 'doubtful'

US President Donald Trump's claim that the entire country of Iran could be "taken out in one night doesn't align with US and Israeli capabilities," CNN reported Tuesday, citing a military analyst. Trump claimed on Monday that American forces could "take out" the entire nation of Iran in just a single night. "The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night," Trump told reporters.

Military assessment

The report by CNN said that the US ability to "take out" all of Iran in one night is "doubtful at best." Peter Layton, a Griffith Asia Institute fellow and former Royal Australian Air Force officer, estimated that in a 24-hour strike, the US and Israel could target hundreds of Iranian power plants and bridges. Six B-2 stealth bombers could carry 96 2,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) per sortie, allowing 192 bombs in two flights. Adding 40 F-15s, each carrying six JDAMs, would contribute another 240 bombs, for a total of 332.

Target limitations

Even if every bomb hit its mark, Layton cautioned that might still not be enough to destroy all the targets. "They would inflict some damage on each target, but unlikely to drop medium to large bridges. Power plants are generally huge targets, so need very careful planning for one hit to make significant damage. They are also 'hardened'; lots of reinforced concrete as part of their basic structure," he said.

Deadline approaching

The analysis comes as Trump's Tuesday evening deadline for Iran to reach a deal approaches. Trump has warned that every bridge and power plant in Iran would be "decimated" if no agreement is reached. Iran has reportedly sent a response to a US proposal through Pakistan, which Trump described as a "significant step" but "not good enough."

Conflict context

The US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,400 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf states while restricting movement through the Strait of Hormuz.