Trump Gives Iran 10 Days to Agree to Nuclear Deal or Face Consequences

US President Donald Trump has said the world will soon know whether the United States reaches a deal with Iran or moves toward military action, warning that “bad things happen” if negotiations fail.

Speaking at the first meeting of his newly formed Board of Peace in Washington, DC, Trump said the next 10 days would be crucial in determining the outcome of talks over Iran’s nuclear programme.

“We have to make a meaningful deal, otherwise bad things happen,” Trump stated, adding that discussions so far have been “very good” but historically difficult.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. The US has recently increased its military presence in the region, even as progress was reported in talks between American and Iranian negotiators in Switzerland.

Iran, however, has issued a strong warning. In a letter to António Guterres, Tehran’s UN mission said that any US bases used in military aggression against Iran would be considered legitimate targets. While expressing concern over Trump’s rhetoric, Iran said it does not seek war.

At the White House event, Trump noted that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner had held productive meetings with Iranian representatives. Despite this, he acknowledged that striking a lasting agreement with Iran has proven challenging over the years.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also said earlier that Iran would be “very wise” to agree to a deal, emphasizing that the administration still prefers a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear dispute.

The Board of Peace, initially believed to focus on ending the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, now appears to have a broader mandate. Observers have questioned whether the Trump-led initiative could sideline the United Nations in handling global conflicts.

Tensions escalated further following reports that US missile and aircraft strikes targeted three Iranian nuclear facilities in June last year. The White House is also said to be reviewing new military options.

American forces have reinforced their presence in the region, including the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. Meanwhile, the BBC understands that the British government has not authorized the US to use UK military bases for potential strikes on Iran.

Satellite imagery has shown Iran strengthening its military infrastructure. The country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has posted warnings on social media, suggesting US forces could face serious retaliation if conflict erupts.

In Washington, opposition to potential military action has emerged from both sides of the political aisle. Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna and Republican Congressman Thomas Massie have indicated plans to push for a congressional vote under the 1973 War Powers Act, which limits the president’s authority to engage in armed conflict without approval from Congress.

Khanna described a war with Iran as “catastrophic,” noting the country’s significant military capabilities and warning that thousands of US troops in the region could be at risk of retaliation.

Despite the criticism, the likelihood of Congress passing a resolution to block military action remains uncertain, as similar efforts in the past have faced resistance.

With diplomacy and military pressure unfolding simultaneously, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether tensions ease through negotiation or escalate further.

Source: BBC NEWS