U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a 10 to 15-day deadline for Iran to reach a concrete agreement over its nuclear program, warning that failure to do so would result in serious consequences.
Speaking at an event in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Trump said the timeframe should be sufficient to secure a deal. “Ten to fifteen days is enough. If there is no agreement within that period, Iran will face very serious consequences,” he said.
Recent diplomatic engagements between Washington and Tehran have not produced a formal agreement. The latest round of discussions took place in Geneva, Switzerland. Iranian officials described the talks as positive, while U.S. officials stated that no substantive agreement had been reached.
Prior to the Geneva meeting, representatives from both countries held discussions in Muscat, Oman. Iran has requested additional time to prepare a revised proposal, according to officials familiar with the talks.
The United States has maintained that Iran must fully halt uranium enrichment, suspend its long-range ballistic missile program, and end support for armed groups in the Middle East.
Iran has consistently stated that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. Iranian officials have also said that the country’s missile program is not subject to negotiation and that decisions regarding regional alliances are matters of national sovereignty.
U.S. Boosts Military Presence as Tensions Rise
As diplomatic efforts continue, the United States has expanded its military presence in the Middle East. Two aircraft carrier strike groups, along with destroyers, cruisers and submarines, have been deployed to the region.
Additional U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft based in the United Kingdom, more than 50 additional fighter jets, and B-2 bombers have reportedly been placed on heightened alert. Missile defense systems, including Patriot and THAAD batteries, have also been repositioned, according to U.S. officials.
International media outlets have reported that U.S. forces are prepared for possible action, although no official announcement of military operations has been made.
In July last year, the United States carried out airstrikes targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities, deploying GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs. U.S. officials said at the time that the facilities were rendered inoperable.
Recent satellite images published by international media have shown reinforced concrete structures at some nuclear sites, suggesting continued activity. Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed operational details.
On Thursday, Trump reiterated that the previous U.S. strikes had destroyed the targeted facilities beyond use.
Iran Warns of Retaliation as International Community Urges Restraint
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any U.S. attack would be met with retaliation. On Wednesday, he shared an AI-generated image on his X account depicting a U.S. warship underwater, alongside statements asserting Iran’s defensive capabilities.
Iranian officials have also warned that U.S. military bases in the Middle East could become targets in the event of conflict.
Russia has expressed concern over rising tensions and called for restraint, according to Reuters. Members of the international community have urged both sides to pursue diplomatic solutions, citing risks to regional stability and global energy markets.
With the 15-day deadline now set, diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify as both sides face mounting pressure to prevent further escalation.
