Bush Gives Hussein 48 Hours to Leave Iraq "President Bush delivered an ultimatum that Saddam Hussein and his sons have 48 hours to leave Iraq. "Their refusal to do so will result in military conflict commenced at a time of our choosing," the president said in an address to the nation from the White House. "It is too late for Saddam Hussein" to remain in power," Bush said. "It is not too late for the Iraqi military to act with honor and protect your country by permitting the peaceful entry of coalition forces to eliminate weapons of mass destruction." Bush's speech was broadcast via Commando Solo aircraft to the Iraqi people. He spoke directly to the Iraqi military, saying coalition forces will give Iraqi military units clear instructions on actions they can take to avoid being attacked and destroyed."