Trump Issues 10-Day Ultimatum to Iran Over Nuclear Program

President Trump delivered a stark warning to Iran on Thursday, demanding a meaningful nuclear agreement within what appears to be a 10-day timeframe. The president threatened that "bad things" would happen if Tehran fails to comply, as tensions escalate in the Middle East.

President Donald Trump delivered a sharp ultimatum to Iran on Thursday, demanding the nation reach a nuclear agreement or face consequences, while seemingly establishing a 10-day timeframe for action.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington, Trump cautioned that negotiations with Iran are progressing but emphasized Tehran must achieve a substantial agreement.

“Otherwise bad things happen,” Trump declared, continuing his pattern of threatening military action against Iran.

The president referenced the June U.S. airstrikes, claiming Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been “decimated,” before adding “we may have to take it a step further or we may not.”

“You’ll be finding out over the next probably 10 days,” he stated, offering no additional details.

These developments unfold against a backdrop of significant U.S. military deployment in the Middle East, raising concerns about potential broader conflict. The buildup has contributed to rising oil prices, while a Russian corvette warship joined scheduled Iranian naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday, highlighting the strategic importance of this global energy corridor.

Recent diplomatic efforts show mixed results. Iranian and American negotiators convened on Tuesday, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reporting agreement on “guiding principles.” However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged Wednesday that significant disagreements persist between the parties.

Trump characterized the discussions positively, saying “good talks are being had,” while a senior administration official indicated Iran would submit written proposals addressing American concerns.

The president urged Tehran to embrace the “path to peace” with the United States.

“They can’t have a nuclear weapon, it’s very simple,” Trump emphasized. “You can’t have peace in the Middle East if they have a nuclear weapon.”

Iran continues to resist major compromises regarding its nuclear activities, maintaining these programs serve peaceful objectives. Both the United States and Israel have previously alleged Tehran seeks to develop nuclear weapons capability.

Russia issued warnings Thursday against an “unprecedented escalation of tension” surrounding Iran, calling for restraint as American military forces continue arriving in the region. A senior U.S. official indicated this military positioning should conclude by mid-March.

Trump has deployed aircraft carriers, naval vessels, and fighter aircraft to the area, heightening possibilities of additional strikes against the Islamic Republic.

Last June, the United States and Israel conducted bombing operations targeting Iranian nuclear installations and select military facilities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 28 to discuss Iran policy, according to senior officials.

American demands include complete cessation of uranium enrichment activities – a process necessary for nuclear power generation but also potentially for weapons development.

Washington and Tel Aviv additionally seek Iranian abandonment of long-range ballistic missile programs, termination of support for regional militant groups, and ending violent suppression of domestic demonstrations.

Iranian officials reject discussions extending beyond nuclear matters, declaring missile program limitations a non-negotiable boundary.

Satellite imagery has documented Iranian efforts to rebuild and strengthen targeted sites since last summer, revealing activity at both nuclear and missile locations, alongside American base preparations throughout the Middle East in recent weeks.

The Iranian-Russian naval cooperation began during extended Iranian military exercises in the Gulf of Oman, with state television broadcasting footage of special forces operations involving helicopters and naval vessels.

Growing international concern over escalating tensions prompted Poland to become the latest European nation Thursday advising citizens to evacuate Iran, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk warning Poles might have only hours to depart safely.

Trump renewed threats against Iran in January as Iranian authorities violently suppressed nationwide protests, resulting in thousands of deaths across the country.