WASHINGTON, D.C. — Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday that it must reach a “meaningful” agreement over its nuclear program within the next 10 to 15 days or face unspecified consequences, amid a significant US military buildup in the Middle East.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, his initiative aimed at securing stability in Gaza, Trump signaled that time was running out for Tehran.
“You’re going to be finding out over the next, probably 10 days,” Trump said. “They must make a deal. If that doesn’t happen… bad things will happen.”
Later, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he clarified the timeline. “I would think that would be enough time — 10, 15 days, pretty much maximum,” he said. “We’re either going to get a deal, or it’s going to be unfortunate for them.”
Trump reiterated that Iran “can’t have a nuclear weapon,” adding, “You can’t have peace in the Middle East if they have a nuclear weapon.”
The remarks come amid a large-scale deployment of US military assets to the region, including aircraft carriers, warships, and fighter jets. A senior American official said the buildup is expected to be completed by mid-March.
Hebrew media outlets also reported that a US Air Force plane used to command special forces operations landed at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.
Trump recalled US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June and suggested further action remained possible. “Now, we may have to take it a step further — or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal,” he said.
The US president has previously threatened military action against Iran, initially over a deadly crackdown on anti-regime protesters last month that reportedly killed thousands, and more recently over Tehran’s nuclear activities. However, he had not previously set a specific timeframe for potential action.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a separate warning to Tehran.
“If the ayatollahs make a mistake and attack us, they will receive a response they cannot even imagine,” Netanyahu said.
Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported that the country is preparing for a scenario in which Iran launches a preemptive strike amid escalating tensions with the United States. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reportedly been on high alert since January, with preparations focusing on air defense systems, intelligence, operational planning, and civil defense readiness.
The preparedness level is said to mirror that seen before the 12-day conflict in June 2025, when Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites, citing steps toward nuclear weaponization. Iran responded with missile barrages targeting Israeli military installations and cities, and the United States later conducted strikes before brokering a ceasefire.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, though it has enriched uranium to levels that Western powers say have no civilian application. Tehran has also limited access for inspectors from the United Nations atomic agency at certain facilities.
The US and Israel accuse Iran of seeking to develop a nuclear weapon ,an allegation Tehran denies.
Washington is pressing Iran to completely abandon uranium enrichment, halt development of long-range ballistic missiles, cease support for proxy militias in the region, and stop using force to suppress domestic protests. Iranian officials have rejected discussions beyond the nuclear file, calling restrictions on its missile program a “red line.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiators from both sides met Tuesday and agreed on “guiding principles.” However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that significant differences remain.
The escalating tensions have drawn international alarm. Russia warned against an “unprecedented escalation of tension” around Iran and urged restraint.
Poland urged its citizens to leave Iran, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk saying that Poles may have only hours to evacuate. Germany also reduced its troop presence in northern Iraq, citing growing regional instability.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether negotiations will produce a breakthrough or whether the region edges closer to renewed military confrontation.
