U.S. President Donald Trump has established a new 10-15 day deadline for Iran to agree to a “meaningful” concession on Washington’s demands or face serious consequences. On Thursday, speaking with reporters aboard Airforce one, he said “I would think that would be enough time, 10, 15 days, pretty much maximum.” After the ending of indirect negotiations in Geneva over Tehran’s nuclear enrichment, ballistic program and proxy affiliation, Trump warned that the United States will decide within given deadline whether to pursue further military action.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the newly formed “Board of Peace” in Washington, Trump reiterated that the U.S. wants a diplomatic solution but signalled impatience with the pace of talks. “We have to make a meaningful deal otherwise bad things will happen,” he said, with this firm time frame being “pretty much maximum” for a diplomatic solution.
The deadline comes amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and ongoing diplomatic efforts, underscored by a U.S. military buildup that includes two aircraft carrier strike groups, the USS Abraham Lincoln & USS Gerald R. Ford, supported by guided-missile destroyers and other assets positioned across the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea. The buildup also includes advanced fighter aircrafts, surveillance platforms, aerial refuelling tankers, and reinforced Patriot and THAAD missile defence systems at multiple regional bases.
On Friday, Iranian FM Araghchi appeared on MS Now saying Tehran has not offered to suspend its nuclear or ballistic missile programs, and that the United States has not demanded this under current negotiation guidelines. He added that Iran expects to submit a formal proposal to Washington by end of the week , pending the approval of senior Iranian leadership. Tehran reiterated that talks will remain confined to the subject of Iran’s nuclear program, rejecting discussions on missile limitations or regional proxies—underscoring the enduring gaps between U.S. and Iranian positions.
As the deadline approaches, Tehran has warned that all U.S. bases and assets in the region will be considered legitimate targets in the event of military action. For Washington, the coming days represent a narrowing diplomatic window in which to secure a framework that meets their policy objectives: the dismantling of the Iranian nuclear program, and reduction of their missile program and proxy support. Failure on the diplomatic front could mean both sides must prepare for a high-stakes conflict that could threaten regional stability.
