US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, declaring that the world would know within the next 10 days or so whether diplomatic efforts to address Tehran’s nuclear program would succeed or if “bad things” would follow.
He delivered these remarks during the inaugural meeting of his newly created Board of Peace in Washington, DC. Acknowledging some advancement in recent US-Iran negotiations, held in Switzerland, and earlier indirect discussions in Geneva, Trump emphasized the necessity of a genuine, substantial agreement. “We have to make a meaningful deal,” he stated, warning that without one, serious repercussions could ensue.
This comes amid a significant US military escalation in the Middle East. The Pentagon has deployed additional aircraft, warships, and other assets to the region, including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group stationed in the Arabian Sea, with the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier—along with its escorts, submarines, and air defense systems—en route. While officials insist diplomacy remains the primary focus, the buildup has fueled global worries about a possible armed conflict.
Iran responded defiantly. Its UN mission sent a letter to Secretary-General António Guterres warning that any US military action would provoke a forceful retaliation, potentially against American bases nearby. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has also issued warnings on social media, suggesting US naval forces could become targets in any escalation.
Both Washington and Tehran have publicly expressed a desire to avoid full-scale war. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the administration’s preference for a diplomatic solution, stating it would be “very wise” for Iran to negotiate an agreement with President Trump.
In the US, the prospect of military strikes has drawn bipartisan criticism. Lawmakers such as Democrat Ro Khanna and Republican Thomas Massie intend to seek a congressional vote under the 1973 War Powers Resolution to curb unilateral presidential authority for offensive actions. Skeptics point to the dangers of confronting a nation of nearly 90 million with strong defenses, cautioning against wider regional fallout.
The Board of Peace, initially established to address the Israel-Hamas conflict (including the Gaza ceasefire and rebuilding efforts), now appears to cover broader Middle East challenges. Some observers speculate it may function as an alternative diplomatic channel alongside the United Nations.
These events follow last year’s US and joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, persistent disagreements over uranium enrichment levels, and restricted international monitoring access. Recent satellite images show Iran reinforcing certain military sites, further undermining trust on both sides.
The upcoming days form a critical period. International markets, allies, and adversaries are watching intently as negotiators race to secure terms that could avert another Middle East war. Trump’s self-set deadline has ramped up the urgency, potentially shaping the trajectory of US-Iran relations and overall regional and global stability.
