WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has said the world will know “over the next, probably, 10 days” whether the United States will secure a nuclear agreement with Iran or move toward military action.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of his newly formed Board of Peace in Washington, Mr. Trump said negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear programme had been “very good,” but cautioned that failure to reach a “meaningful deal” could have serious consequences.
“We have to make a meaningful deal otherwise bad things happen,” Trump said, underscoring the urgency of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Diplomatic Push Amid Military Build-Up
The remarks come as the U.S. increases its military presence in the Middle East. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed to the region, alongside additional missile and air assets.
At the same time, negotiations between American and Iranian officials have reportedly shown signs of progress in Switzerland. Trump noted that Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had held “very good meetings” with Iranian representatives.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said earlier this week that Iran would be “very wise” to accept a diplomatic solution, adding that the administration still hopes to resolve tensions without conflict.
Iran’s Response
Iran has also stepped up its rhetoric. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued warnings on social media, referencing U.S. naval deployments and suggesting Iran possesses the capability to respond forcefully.
Satellite imagery has reportedly shown Iran reinforcing key military facilities, raising concerns of potential escalation if negotiations collapse.
Congressional Pushback
Within the United States, lawmakers from both parties have voiced concern about the possibility of military action without congressional approval.
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna and Republican Representative Thomas Massie have indicated plans to seek a vote under the War Powers Resolution, which limits the president’s authority to commit U.S. forces to armed conflict without congressional consent.
“A war with Iran would be catastrophic,” Khanna wrote on social media, warning that U.S. troops in the region could face retaliation.
However, previous efforts to advance similar resolutions have struggled to gain sufficient support in Congress.
The Stakes
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have remained high since U.S. strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities last year. With additional forces now positioned in the region and diplomatic talks ongoing, the coming days may prove decisive.
Trump’s 10-day deadline sets a clear marker for both negotiators and observers worldwide. Whether diplomacy prevails or confrontation escalates could significantly reshape stability in the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy moving forward.