US President Donald Trump, has set a new 15-day deadline for Iran to reach a nuclear agreement, warning that failure to do so could prompt limited military action.
The announcement comes after Trump ordered a major naval buildup in the Middle East to increase pressure on Tehran.
Trump initially threatened that “bad things” could happen if Iran did not finalize a deal within 10 days, a timeframe he later extended to 15 days. When asked whether he was considering a limited strike, Trump responded: “The most I can say — I am considering it.”
The deadline follows negotiations in Geneva earlier this week, where Iranian officials said a draft agreement could be ready within days. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told US media that the next step would be submitting the draft for approval by senior officials before it reaches the US negotiator, Steve Witkoff.
Araghchi emphasized that US negotiators had not demanded an end to Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, contradicting statements from American officials. “We have not offered any suspension, and the US side has not asked for zero enrichment,” he said. “We are now talking about how to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful forever.”
Western countries accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, claims Tehran denies, insisting its nuclear program is for civilian purposes. Iran, meanwhile, aims to negotiate relief from sanctions that have strained its economy and fueled nationwide protests over the past few months.
Trump’s administration has coupled negotiations with a show of military strength. The US previously struck Iranian nuclear facilities during the 12-day Iran-Israel war last June and has now deployed a significant naval presence to the Gulf, including the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and Gerald Ford. Iran has conducted military drills in response, including near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Despite rising tensions, Araghchi stressed there is “no ultimatum,” noting that both sides are focused on reaching a deal quickly. Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, warned that US bases and assets could become “legitimate targets” if Washington carries out threats.
The situation remains tense, with the Israeli military on “defensive alert” while closely monitoring developments in the region.
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