Washington – The possibility of military confrontation between the United States and Iran intensified Friday as President Donald Trump said he was considering limited strikes, even as Iranian officials signaled they are preparing a counterproposal in ongoing nuclear negotiations. The escalating rhetoric comes amid a significant US military buildup in the Middle East and follows a period of heightened tensions, including widespread protests in Iran and a previous, limited conflict in June 2025.
Trump, speaking at the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace, warned that “bad things will happen” if Iran refuses to reach an agreement on its nuclear program, stating the world would know “over the next, probably, ten days.” He reiterated a hard line on Iranian enrichment, saying, “They better negotiate a fair deal.” The President’s comments followed reports that the US military is at an advanced stage of planning for potential attacks, including options to target individuals and even pursue a change in leadership in Tehran.
Simultaneously, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated progress in indirect talks with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Geneva this week. Araghchi told US cable news network MS Now that the sides had reached an understanding on “guiding principles,” but cautioned that a deal was not imminent. He added that a draft counterproposal could be ready for review by Iranian officials “in the next two or three days,” potentially leading to further talks within a week.
Negotiations at a Crossroads
The current negotiations represent the latest attempt to curb Iran’s nuclear program, which has expanded since Trump withdrew the United States from the internationally backed Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. That decision, encouraged by Israel, led to a period of escalating tensions and ultimately a 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June 2025, though the impact of that conflict on Iran’s nuclear capabilities remains questionable. The current round of talks began in April 2025, with a 60-day deadline initially set by Trump for a resolution, as detailed in the 2025–2026 Iran–United States negotiations.
During the Geneva discussions, according to Araghchi, the US did not demand zero uranium enrichment, and Iran did not offer to suspend enrichment activities. Instead, the focus is on ensuring Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful. “What we are now talking about is how to develop sure that Iran’s nuclear programme, including enrichment, is peaceful and would remain peaceful forever,” he said.
Military Posturing and Conflicting Accounts
The backdrop to these negotiations is a significant increase in US military presence in the Middle East. Trump has ordered the repositioning of naval forces, including aircraft carriers, raising concerns about an imminent conflict. While the White House has not explicitly stated the purpose of the buildup, it is widely seen as a pressure tactic to compel Iran to make concessions.
However, Trump’s rhetoric has been increasingly bellicose. He referenced a crackdown on protests in Iran, claiming “32,000 people were killed over a relatively short period of time,” a figure that remains unverified. He also asserted that his threats had prevented the planned execution of 837 people. The US-based group Hrana, which monitors the human rights situation in Iran, has verified 7,114 deaths and is reviewing another 11,700 potential cases. Araghchi, in response, stated the Iranian government has published a list of 3,117 deaths, referring to the unrest as a “recent terrorist operation” and inviting scrutiny of their data, as evidenced by a post on X.
Concerns from the United Nations
The escalating tensions have drawn concern from the United Nations. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reiterated concerns about heightened rhetoric and increased military activities in the region. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing Red Sea crisis and the Iranian financial crisis, adding layers of instability to an already volatile region.
What’s Next?
The next several days are critical. Trump has set an informal deadline of approximately 10-15 days for a resolution, and Iran is expected to present a draft counterproposal shortly. The outcome of these developments will likely determine whether diplomatic efforts continue or if the region descends into further conflict. A White House official confirmed that the President maintains his position that Iran “cannot have nuclear weapons or the capacity to build them, and that they cannot enrich uranium.”
The situation remains fluid and highly sensitive. The world is watching closely as the United States and Iran navigate a dangerous path, balancing the pursuit of a nuclear agreement with the threat of military action.
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