Yeliz Akmaca 
Donald Trump has given Iran a clear ultimatum: reach a deal on its nuclear program within 10–15 days, or “really bad things” will happen. Tehran immediately responded with a threat to target U.S. bases. The Middle East is heating up once again.
Trump told the first meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington that negotiations were “going well,” but demanded a “meaningful agreement” from Tehran. Recalling U.S. airstrikes in June, he added, “Their nuclear potential has been almost completely decimated. We may have to take it a step further—or maybe not.”
Later, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said, “I think 10–15 days is enough.” He refused to go into specifics but stressed that Iran would have to make a deal one way or another. Meanwhile, Tehran wrote to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stating it would not start a war but would respond decisively and proportionately if subjected to military aggression. “All bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets,” the letter said, adding that the U.S. “would bear full responsibility for any unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences.”
Talks and Remaining Gaps
U.S. and Iranian delegations met last Tuesday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said they agreed on “guiding principles,” but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated some differences remain. Trump commented, “Good talks are being had,” adding that Iran would submit a written proposal to address U.S. concerns.
Trump called on Tehran to join the U.S. on the path to peace. “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple. There can be no peace in the Middle East otherwise,” he said. Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful and refuses to negotiate on its long-range missile program.
Military Moves and Regional Tensions
The U.S. has deployed aircraft carriers, warships, and jets to the region, raising the prospect of another strike on Iran. Last June, the U.S. and Israel targeted Iranian nuclear sites. Washington wants Iran to stop uranium enrichment entirely, abandon long-range ballistic missiles, cease supporting regional groups, and refrain from using force against domestic protests. Iran, however, insists it will only negotiate on nuclear matters, calling other demands a red line.
Satellite imagery shows Iran has been repairing and fortifying nuclear and missile sites since last summer, and preparing around U.S. bases over the past month. Joint naval exercises with Russia reflect growing tensions, with Iranian special forces deployed on ships and helicopters.
Global Reactions and Oil Prices
Trump’s threats pushed oil prices higher. Russia warned of “unprecedented escalation” and urged restraint. Poland advised citizens to leave Iran urgently; Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, “You may only have hours to evacuate.”
Trump has been ramping up threats since January, amid deadly crackdowns on nationwide protests in Iran that left thousands dead. The U.S. president has not yet decided on an attack. If authorized, a limited airstrike could occur within days, targeting military and government buildings.
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