Trump Gives Iran Two-Week Ultimatum on Nuclear Talks
Trump gives Tehran 10–15 days to reach a nuclear deal or face unspecified consequences as U.S. boosts military presence in the Middle East
- President Donald Trump warns Iran it has 10–15 days to reach a “meaningful” nuclear agreement or face “really bad things.”
- The U.S. has reinforced its presence in the Middle East, including sending a second aircraft carrier strike group,
- Indirect negotiations continue, with the U.S. demanding curbs on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday that Tehran has approximately 10–15 days to reach a “meaningful” agreement on its nuclear program with Washington or face “really bad things,” a stark and ambiguous ultimatum highlighting rising tensions between the two countries.
Speaking at the inaugural session of his newly established Board of Peace, Trump said that negotiators were engaged in indirect talks, but Tehran must make substantial concessions on its nuclear and missile programs or risk unspecified consequences. He reiterated that the U.S. position remains that Iran must not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.
“We’re either going to get a deal, or it’s going to be unfortunate for them,” Trump said, suggesting that a 10–15 day window should be sufficient for progress.
In recent days, U.S. officials have reinforced military capabilities in the Middle East amid the diplomatic push. A second aircraft carrier strike group, led by the USS Gerald R. Ford, is reported to be heading to the region, supplementing existing deployments of warships, fighter jets, and support aircraft. Tehran, meanwhile, has conducted joint drills with Russia in the Strait of Hormuz and has shown no signs of backing down.
Indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran have been ongoing in Geneva and other neutral venues, mediated by third parties. U.S. envoys are demanding major cuts to Iran’s uranium enrichment and long-range missile development, while Iran, insisting its nuclear program is peaceful, seeks sanctions relief and the preservation of certain capabilities.
Iranian officials have not publicly accepted the ultimatum, maintaining that they will continue exercising what they describe as their sovereign right to nuclear technology under international inspection. Tehran has also warned of forceful retaliation against any military action targeting its territory.
International reactions have been cautious. Russia urged restraint to avoid escalation, while several European countries have advised their citizens to consider leaving Iran amid fears that tensions could spill into a broader regional conflict.
Trump’s warning represents one of the clearest timeframes yet from a U.S. leader, as the administration balances the risks of renewed diplomacy against the potential for military action in a Middle East already tense following last year’s limited exchanges between U.S./Israeli forces and Iranian nuclear sites, and the ongoing Gaza conflict.
