WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (GeokHub) - U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iran must reach a “meaningful” agreement on its nuclear program within what appeared to be a 10-day window or face unspecified consequences.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington, Trump said negotiations were progressing but stressed that Tehran must agree to strict limits.
“Otherwise bad things happen,” he said, adding that the United States may need to “take it a step further.”
The warning comes amid a major U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. Aircraft carriers, warships and fighter jets have been deployed to the region, raising concerns about the risk of a broader conflict.
Russia criticized the escalation, calling it an “unprecedented” rise in tensions and urging restraint.
Meanwhile, Iran and Russia conducted naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, a key global energy shipping route. Oil prices have risen amid fears that diplomacy could collapse.
Status of Negotiations
Iranian and U.S. officials met earlier in the week. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the sides had agreed on “guiding principles,” though White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged significant differences remain.
A senior U.S. official said Iran is expected to submit a written proposal addressing American concerns.
U.S. Demands
Washington is pressing Iran to:
- End uranium enrichment entirely
- Give up long-range ballistic missiles
- Stop supporting armed groups in the region
- Halt violent crackdowns on domestic protests
Trump reiterated that Iran “can’t have a nuclear weapon,” arguing that regional peace depends on it.
Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and refuses to negotiate on missile capabilities or broader security issues, calling those red lines.
Satellite imagery reportedly shows Iran repairing and fortifying nuclear and missile sites following U.S. and Israeli strikes last June.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 28 to discuss Iran.
Poland has urged its citizens to leave Iran, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk warning evacuation windows could be short.
