U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran to reach a deal over its nuclear programme within 10 to 15 days or face what he described as “really bad things,” escalating tensions amid a growing U.S. military buildup in the Middle East.
Speaking at the first meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday, Trump said negotiations with Tehran were progressing but insisted that any agreement must be “meaningful.”
“Otherwise bad things happen,” he said, adding that Iran’s nuclear potential had already been significantly weakened by U.S. airstrikes carried out in June.
Asked to clarify the timeline later aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “I would think that would be enough time, 10, 15 days, pretty much maximum.”
In response, Tehran issued a warning in a letter to Antonio Guterres, stating that while it does not intend to start a war, it would respond decisively to any military aggression.
“All bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets,” the letter stated, adding that the United States would bear responsibility for any escalation.
The standoff has raised fears of a wider conflict, particularly as Washington deploys additional aircraft carriers, warships and fighter jets to the region. Oil prices have also reacted to the mounting geopolitical uncertainty.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed that negotiators from both sides met earlier this week and agreed on guiding principles, though U.S. officials said significant differences remain.
Trump reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, saying peace in the Middle East would be impossible if Tehran possessed such capabilities.
Meanwhile, Russia has called for restraint, warning against what it described as an “unprecedented escalation of tension” around Iran as military preparations continue across the region.
