US President Donald Trump has issued a 15-day ultimatum to Iran for a nuclear agreement, warning that failure could trigger limited military action, following a naval buildup in the Middle East to ramp up pressure on Tehran.
Trump extended an initial 10-day threat of “bad things” after Geneva talks produced a draft deal, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claiming no US demand for ending enrichment—contradicting American statements—and focusing on ensuring a peaceful program.
Araghchi told media the draft awaits senior approvals before reaching US negotiator Steve Witkoff, amid Tehran’s push for sanctions relief fuelling economic protests.
The administration pairs diplomacy with force, deploying carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and Gerald Ford to the Gulf after last June’s strikes on Iranian sites during the 12-day Iran-Israel war.
Iran denies nuclear weapons ambitions, insists on civilian use, and responds with Strait of Hormuz drills; its UN envoy warns US assets are “legitimate targets” if threats materialize, as Israel stays on defensive alert.
