Trump signals deadline to Iran for a deal

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.

United States positions military assets for a potential strike against Iran

F15e in the air

Significant movement of tankers, jets and further cargo has taken place, entering the Middle East region as the United States prepares for a campaign against the Iranian regime.

In the last 72 hours, the influx of tankers and jets has significantly increased, with F35s, F22s, F15s, F16s, AWACS (Airborne Early Warning System) and other critical platforms being recorded entering the area. In addition to these, air-to-air refuelers such as the KC-135 and KC-46, are flying into bases throughout the area, suggesting the fact a more drawn-out conflict could be a part of possible options for Washington against Tehran.

Trump earlier today onboard Air Force One stated that a decision will be made within a 10-15 day window, although analysts have mention the potential for military action to commence in the next few days.

a deadline of 10-15 days has been established for any iran-US deal according to trump

Sources telling Axios state that action could begin within days, with it more than likely being a continued campaign lasting for weeks. Although further reports have also brought the fact that Donald Trump may prefer a more initial approach to military force, enough to bring them to the negotiation table.

As we continue to view large scale aerial movements from Washington, not seen since 2003, Iranian military assets have also taken part in live fire training within and around the Hormuz Strait. The threat of Iran halting global shipping through this critical waterway is still present, with it being a viable action in which Iran could potentially conduct in the event of offensive actions by Israel or the United States.

Tuesday last week, the second round of negotiations took place in Geneva, Switzerland. These talks were aimed at Tehran’s nuclear, ballistic programs alongside their support for proxy groups around the region. As of now, no concrete concessions have been given by either side, with both talks ending without any further progress.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghci stated that “good progress” has been made, with Iran setting the framework for future talks. Despite the positivity from the Iranian diplomatic team, Washington says only “modest” compromises had been given surrounding the nuclear program, the main point of contention in the current talks. JD Vance also mentioned that talks went well “in some ways”. It is unclear what direction which may be taken in the future if diplomatic talks were to continue.

Currently, the United States has positioned over 126 land-based fighter aircraft alongside two carrier strike groups. Alongside this, Israel will likely participate in an attack with United State forces, with the IDF ready for a “large and multi-front” conflict, one which may involve Iran and its proxy forces.

Russia vows response to Ukrainian ‘terror attack’ against Putin’s residence

Spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry Zakharova calls Zelensky a “terrorist outcast”. Credit: REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Russian officials are vowing a strong response to what they describe as a “terrorist attack” using 91 Ukrainian UAVs against Putin’s Valdai residence in Novgorod oblast. Russia’s Ministry of Defence says all drones were intercepted with no casualties or damage being reported.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says that Russia’s Armed Forces have deemed “how, with what, and when to respond” to Ukraine’s ‘terrorist attack’. Ukrainian monitoring channels have previously warned of a large Russian attack coinciding with New Year’s Eve. Putin told Trump that “Kiev’s terrorist actions” will not go unanswered, according to Russia’s TASS state news agency.

Spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova also ramped up the rhetoric by calling Ukrainian President Zelensky a ‘terrorist outcast’, vowing that a strong response is coming. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, also said that Zelensky would “have to stay in hiding for the rest of his worthless life”.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the timing and nature of Russia’s response to “Kyiv’s state terrorism” has been decided

Ukraine denies

Ukraine vehemently denies being behind the reported drone attack against Putin’s residence, with President Zelensky saying that it is “a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine”. Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials have told Ukrainians to remain vigilant, warning that Russia is preparing ground to “strike Ukraine’s government buildings in Kyiv”

No evidence has been provided by Russia of the attack on Putin’s residence. Local residents have told independent Russian outlet SOTA that no air defence activity was heard in the proximity of Putin’s residence last night.

A source close to French President Macron told Reuters on Tuesday there was no evidence to corroborate Russia’s claims that Ukraine targeted Putin’s residence. Asked by reporters, Kremlin spokesman Peskov said there was no need to provide evidence of the attack.

Peace Negotiations

Russian officials have signalled a switch in their approach to the ongoing peace negotiations with Ukraine. Kremlin Spokesman Peskov said Russia would toughen its negotiating position. It’s not immediately clear what this would entail as no further information has been provided.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told Russian State Media that Trump told Putin that the drone attack would affect American approaches to working with Zelensky. US officials have not confirmed this.

International reactions

US President Donald Trump told press that he was angry when President Putin told him about the attack on his residence. In a phone call with the Russian leader, Trump reportedly said “Thank God, we did not give Tomahawks to Ukraine”, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.

India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Nicaragua have condemned the purported attack against Putin’s residence. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X that he was “Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation”.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha says they were “disappointed and concerned to see the statements by Emirati, Indian, and Pakistani sides expressing their concerns regarding the attack that never happened.

Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have condemned the Kremlin for what they deem a false flag operation to justify possible strikes against Ukraine. Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže said in response to the Russian claims that “The Kremlin butcher needs war, not peace, to justify existence”.