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 lead to limited military action.
The announcement follows Trump’s order for a major US naval buildup in the Middle East, aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran.
Trump had initially warned that “bad things” could occur if Iran did not finalize a deal within 10 days, a timeline he later extended to 15 days. When asked about the possibility of a limited strike, he said: “The most I can say — I am considering it.”
The deadline comes after negotiations in Geneva earlier this week, where Iranian officials indicated that a draft agreement could be ready within days. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told US media that the draft would first be submitted to senior officials in Tehran for approval before being presented to US negotiator Steve Witkoff.
Araghchi stressed that US negotiators had not demanded a halt to Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, contradicting prior 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 discussing how to ensure Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful permanently.”
Western nations accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, claims Tehran denies, maintaining that its nuclear program is strictly civilian. Iran seeks sanctions relief, which it says has damaged its economy and fueled nationwide protests over recent months.
Trump’s administration has paired negotiations with military pressure. Last June, the US struck Iranian nuclear facilities during the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict, and it has now deployed a significant naval presence in the Gulf, including the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and Gerald Ford. Iran has responded with military drills, including near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Despite heightened tensions, Araghchi insisted there is “no ultimatum,” noting both sides are focused on quickly reaching a deal. Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, warned that US bases and assets could become “legitimate targets” if Washington carries out military threats.
The situation remains tense, with the Israeli military on “defensive alert” while closely monitoring developments in the region.
