New Delhi: United States President Donald Trump on Friday said he is weighing the option of a “limited” military strike against Iran if Tehran does not agree to a new nuclear agreement with Washington.
Responding to a reporter’s question on whether military action was under consideration, Trump said, “The most I can say — I am considering it,” according to AFP.
A day earlier, speaking at a Board of Peace event, Trump had warned that Iran had roughly 10 days to reach what he described as a “meaningful deal.” Failing that, he cautioned, “bad things will happen.”
“Good talks are being had,” Trump said. “It’s proven to be, over the years, not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran. We have to make a meaningful deal, otherwise bad things will happen.”
He added that the coming days would be decisive. “Now we may have to take a step further or may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal. You’re going to be finding out over the next, probably, 10 days,” he said.
Rising tensions amid military buildup
Trump’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. According to reports, the United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional aircraft carriers, fighter jets and defence systems.
Satellite imagery reviewed by international agencies suggests Iran has reinforced several sensitive nuclear and missile-linked facilities. Reports indicate that tunnel entrances have been strengthened and additional concrete protection added at key sites.
Tehran, however, continues to deny that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
Deal history and diplomatic deadlock
The latest push for a renewed agreement follows years of stalled diplomacy. During his first term, Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear accord and called for a more comprehensive and stricter arrangement.
Subsequent efforts under former US President Joe Biden to revive the earlier agreement failed to produce a final breakthrough, leaving negotiations unresolved.