Trump Sets 10–15 Day Deadline for Iran Nuclear Deal
News Desk
Washington: US President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a stark 10–15 day deadline for Iran to reach what he called a “meaningful” agreement over its nuclear programme, warning that failure to do so could trigger unspecified but “really bad things,” as the United States accelerates a major military build-up in the Middle East.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of his newly formed Board of Peace in Washington, Trump signalled that diplomacy was progressing but insisted Tehran must move swiftly.
“You’ll be finding out over the next probably 10 days,” he said, later telling reporters aboard Air Force One that “10, 15 days” would be the maximum time Iran has to strike a deal.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region, with US aircraft carriers, warships and fighter jets deployed in what American officials describe as a precautionary reinforcement expected to be completed by mid-March. The military posture has fuelled fears of a wider confrontation if talks collapse.
Trump referenced US air strikes carried out in June against Iranian nuclear and military sites, claiming Tehran’s nuclear capability had been “decimated.” “We may have to take it a step further or we may not,” he added, keeping open the possibility of renewed action.
Talks Continue, Gaps Remain
Iranian and US negotiators met earlier this week, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi saying the two sides agreed on “guiding principles.” However, the White House indicated significant differences remain.
Trump described the negotiations as “good talks” but reiterated Washington’s core demand: Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon. “You can’t have peace in the Middle East if they have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
Washington is pressing Tehran to halt uranium enrichment entirely — a process that can produce fuel for civilian nuclear power but also weapons-grade material. The US and Israel have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear arms, an allegation Tehran denies, insisting its programme is for peaceful purposes.
Beyond the nuclear issue, the US and its ally Israel are seeking limits on Iran’s long-range ballistic missiles and regional activities — demands Iran has rejected as non-negotiable.
Regional Ripples
The escalating rhetoric has unsettled global energy markets, pushing up oil prices, while Russia warned against what it called an “unprecedented escalation of tension.” A Russian corvette joined planned Iranian naval drills in the Gulf of Oman, a key global energy transit route.
Satellite imagery has shown Iran repairing and reinforcing nuclear and missile sites since last year’s strikes, alongside expanded preparations at US bases across the region.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 28 to discuss Iran, underscoring the coordination between Washington and Jerusalem as the deadline approaches.
Meanwhile, several European countries, including Poland, have urged their citizens to leave Iran amid rising tensions.
Trump, who has framed himself as a peacemaker while proposing an expanded global conflict-resolution role for his Board of Peace, struck a dual tone — calling on Tehran to join the “path to peace” while repeating his warning that a deal must be reached “one way or another.”
With the clock ticking, the next two weeks may determine whether diplomacy prevails — or whether the region edges closer to another military confrontation.
