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Trump Gives Iran 10‑15 Days, Deploys Second Carrier as Tehran‑Russia Drills Intensify

Updated (34 articles)
  • Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group sail in formation in the Arabian Sea while aircraft fly overhead, on February 6, 2026.
    Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group sail in formation in the Arabian Sea while aircraft fly overhead, on February 6, 2026.
    Image: Newsweek
    Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group sail in formation in the Arabian Sea while aircraft fly overhead, on February 6, 2026. Source Full size
  • Iranians walk past an anti-US billboard in Tehran, with the slogan: "If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind"
    Iranians walk past an anti-US billboard in Tehran, with the slogan: "If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind"
    Image: BBC
    Iranians walk past an anti-US billboard in Tehran, with the slogan: "If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind" (Reuters) Source Full size
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi gives a statement at the Ritz Hotel as he meets Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, on January 30, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey.
    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi gives a statement at the Ritz Hotel as he meets Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, on January 30, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey.
    Image: Newsweek
    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi gives a statement at the Ritz Hotel as he meets Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, on January 30, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. Source Full size
  • Trump told the Board of Peace, Trump said that talks with Iran have been 'very good' but historically difficult.
    Trump told the Board of Peace, Trump said that talks with Iran have been 'very good' but historically difficult.
    Image: BBC
    Trump told the Board of Peace, Trump said that talks with Iran have been 'very good' but historically difficult. (Getty Images) Source Full size
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    Image: AP
    Source Full size
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    Image: BBC
    Getty Images Source Full size
  • Iran holds more drills and US carrier nears Mideast in latest preparations for possible war
    Iran holds more drills and US carrier nears Mideast in latest preparations for possible war
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Iran holds more drills and US carrier nears Mideast in latest preparations for possible war (Credit: via ap) Source Full size
  • Iranians walk past an anti-US billboard in Tehran, with the slogan: "If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind"
    Iranians walk past an anti-US billboard in Tehran, with the slogan: "If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind"
    Image: BBC
    Iranians walk past an anti-US billboard in Tehran, with the slogan: "If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind" (Reuters) Source Full size
  • The world's largest aircraft carrier, the US Navy nuclear-powered USS Gerald R Ford has been heading east to support potential operations
    The world's largest aircraft carrier, the US Navy nuclear-powered USS Gerald R Ford has been heading east to support potential operations
    Image: BBC
    The world's largest aircraft carrier, the US Navy nuclear-powered USS Gerald R Ford has been heading east to support potential operations (US Navy / Reuters) Source Full size
  • The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier (bottom) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E Petersen Jr during an exercise in the Arabian Sea on 6 February
    The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier (bottom) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E Petersen Jr during an exercise in the Arabian Sea on 6 February
    Image: BBC
    The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier (bottom) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E Petersen Jr during an exercise in the Arabian Sea on 6 February (US Navy / Reuters) Source Full size
  • Iranian daily newspaper Vatan-e Emrooz's 19 February edition, with the headline "Sea surprises"
    Iranian daily newspaper Vatan-e Emrooz's 19 February edition, with the headline "Sea surprises"
    Image: BBC
    Iranian daily newspaper Vatan-e Emrooz's 19 February edition, with the headline "Sea surprises" (EPA) Source Full size
  • Strikes on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other security institutions could weaken the apparatus that recently reasserted control after protests
    Strikes on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other security institutions could weaken the apparatus that recently reasserted control after protests
    Image: BBC
    Strikes on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other security institutions could weaken the apparatus that recently reasserted control after protests (NurPhoto via Getty Images) Source Full size
  • Human rights groups say during anti-government unrest at the end of 2025 and start of 2026, thousands of people were killed in security crackdowns
    Human rights groups say during anti-government unrest at the end of 2025 and start of 2026, thousands of people were killed in security crackdowns
    Image: BBC
    Human rights groups say during anti-government unrest at the end of 2025 and start of 2026, thousands of people were killed in security crackdowns (Reuters) Source Full size
  • Airstrike craters covered with dirt at Iran's Natanz enrichment facility in June 2025 following US airstrikes
    Airstrike craters covered with dirt at Iran's Natanz enrichment facility in June 2025 following US airstrikes
    Image: BBC
    Airstrike craters covered with dirt at Iran's Natanz enrichment facility in June 2025 following US airstrikes (Reuters) Source Full size
  • Trump told the Board of Peace, Trump said that talks with Iran have been 'very good' but historically difficult.
    Trump told the Board of Peace, Trump said that talks with Iran have been 'very good' but historically difficult.
    Image: BBC
    Trump told the Board of Peace, Trump said that talks with Iran have been 'very good' but historically difficult. (Getty Images) Source Full size
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    Image: BBC
    Getty Images Source Full size
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    Image: BBC
    Source Full size
  • Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group sail in formation in the Arabian Sea while aircraft fly overhead, on February 6, 2026.
    Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group sail in formation in the Arabian Sea while aircraft fly overhead, on February 6, 2026.
    Image: Newsweek
    Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group sail in formation in the Arabian Sea while aircraft fly overhead, on February 6, 2026. Source Full size
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi gives a statement at the Ritz Hotel as he meets Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, on January 30, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey.
    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi gives a statement at the Ritz Hotel as he meets Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, on January 30, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey.
    Image: Newsweek
    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi gives a statement at the Ritz Hotel as he meets Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, on January 30, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. Source Full size
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    None
    Image: AP
    Source Full size
  • Iran holds more drills and US carrier nears Mideast in latest preparations for possible war
    Iran holds more drills and US carrier nears Mideast in latest preparations for possible war
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Iran holds more drills and US carrier nears Mideast in latest preparations for possible war (Credit: via ap) Source Full size

Trump Sets Ten‑to‑Fifteen‑Day Deal Deadline and Warns of “Bad Things.” On February 19‑20, President Donald Trump told reporters Tehran had “probably 10 days, maybe 15 days” to reach a nuclear agreement, warning that failure would bring “bad things” [1][2][3][4]. He repeated the red line at a Board of Peace briefing, refusing to specify the consequences [2][8]. Iran’s UN envoy Amir Saeid Iravani replied that the U.S. would become a legitimate target if it acted aggressively [1].

U.S. Moves a Second Aircraft Carrier Toward the Eastern Mediterranean. The nuclear‑powered USS Gerald R. Ford left the Atlantic, was tracked off Morocco, and is expected to transit Gibraltar and enter the eastern Mediterranean within days [1][3][7][9]. An unnamed senior U.S. official said the full complement of forces needed for possible action should be in place by mid‑March [1][5]. CNN reported the carrier could be ready for a strike as early as the weekend, though Trump has not given final authorization [9][8].

Iran Conducts Live‑Fire Drills with Russia While Drafting a Written Proposal. On February 19, Iran and Russia held their annual joint exercise, including live‑fire drills in the Strait of Hormuz and the Indian Ocean, demonstrating enhanced coordination [1][3][7]. Tehran agreed to produce a written proposal following indirect Geneva talks, signaling a willingness to negotiate on “guiding principles” but refusing to discuss its missile program [1][5][10]. Satellite imagery showed Iran reinforcing nuclear sites with concrete and soil amid the pressure [9].

Allies React, Evacuate Personnel and Signal Readiness. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged citizens to leave Iran immediately, and Germany withdrew non‑critical staff from a base in northern Iraq [1][3][5]. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged an “unimaginable” response to any Iranian attack [1][3][5]. The United Kingdom blocked the use of its bases for U.S. strikes, while U.S. lawmakers prepared a War Powers vote that faces slim odds [4][5][7].

Sources

Timeline

Dec 12, 2025 – President Donald Trump warns that the United States will strike any new Iranian nuclear sites if Tehran restarts its program, citing the June 2025 U.S.–Israeli attacks that “crippled” Iran’s enrichment capacity and arguing Tehran “could have avoided destruction” by accepting a deal earlier [25].

June 2025 – The United States and Israel launch a 12‑day campaign that destroys three Iranian nuclear facilities, after which Iran fires missiles at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base and later conducts a limited retaliation, while the International Atomic Energy Agency reports most nuclear material remains [25][24].

Late Dec 2025 – Massive anti‑government protests erupt across Iran; security forces crack down, killing thousands (HRANA estimates > 6,300 deaths) and prompting a severe domestic crisis that fuels U.S. pressure [25][24].

Jan 15, 2026 – Analysts warn that a U.S. attack aimed at regime change could provoke “unprecedented” Iranian retaliation, noting Iran’s large missile and drone stockpiles and its ability to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, which carries ≈ 20 % of global oil [24].

Jan 21, 2026 – In a NewsNation interview, Trump threatens to “wipe the Iranian regime off the face of the Earth” if attacked, while U.S. F‑15E jets land in Jordan and the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln sails toward the Gulf; additional Patriot and THAAD systems are slated for deployment [23].

Jan 28, 2026 – Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi denies any request for negotiations, insisting “this request does not exist on our side,” even as Trump claims Iran is ready for a deal and orders an “armada” of warships into the region [22][25].

Jan 29, 2026 – A U.S. carrier strike group arrives in the Middle East as Trump signals a possible strike, prompting Iran’s advisor Ali Shamkhani to warn that any U.S. attack would be “the start of war” with “unprecedented” retaliation against the U.S., Israel and supporters [20][18].

Jan 29, 2026 – Trump tells Iran “time is running out,” urging Tehran to “Come to the Table” for a nuclear‑weapon‑free deal while the U.S. surges 15 fighter jets to Jordan, carrier Abraham Lincoln and other assets to the Gulf, and human‑rights groups report ≈ 6,300 protest deaths [21].

Jan 29, 2026 – Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns that 30‑40 k U.S. troops in the region are within range of Iran’s missiles, while proxy militias in Iraq and Lebanon pledge “all‑out war” in defense of Tehran [18].

Jan 30, 2026 – Trump asserts Iran “prefers a deal over war,” repeats that Tehran must halt its nuclear program and stop killing protesters, and adds that “only they know for sure” whether a deal will happen, as the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln moves into the Indian Ocean [15][16].

Jan 30, 2026 – Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran will join “fair and just” nuclear talks only if they are “meaningful, logical and fair,” rejecting any discussion of its missile program and warning negotiations cannot occur under threat [14].

Jan 31, 2026 – Analysts note Trump’s “19‑day” strike window and that U.S. naval presence has shifted from two carrier groups to one, while Iran’s armed forces remain weakened after Israel’s 12‑day campaign, limiting U.S. options to precise or broader bombardments [13].

Feb 1, 2026 – Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warns that a U.S. attack “will be a regional war,” while the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln operates in the Arabian Sea and Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi says trust in the U.S. is eroded but “fruitful” negotiations continue via regional intermediaries [5][12].

Feb 2, 2026 – President Masoud Pezeshkian orders the start of nuclear negotiations with the United States, while the U.S. moves the carrier Abraham Lincoln and destroyers into the Middle East as a “show of force” and Turkey seeks to convene U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff with Iranian leaders by week’s end [29][28].

Feb 3, 2026 – Iran’s President Pezeshkian says Tehran will negotiate only in a “threat‑free environment,” instructing FM Araghchi to pursue talks under those conditions, as Trump threatens “tremendous force” and the U.S. prepares a possible strike with the carrier Abraham Lincoln and Tomahawk‑armed destroyers [4][11][14].

Feb 5, 2026 – Trump tells NBC that Ayatollah Khamenei should be “very worried” ahead of Muscat talks, while Iran showcases the long‑range Khorramshahr‑4 missile and both sides exchange threats of swift retaliation over any U.S. strike [10].

Feb 11, 2026 – After Israel’s 12‑day war in June and Iran’s protest crackdown, the United States and Iran consider a second round of nuclear talks mediated by Oman, with Iran having halted enrichment but retaining ~9.9 t of uranium, and the IAEA still barred from sites [27].

Feb 17, 2026 – Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi announces a “general agreement” reached in Geneva, laying groundwork for a draft deal text while reiterating that Iran will not bargain on its ballistic‑missile program or regional allies [9].

Feb 19, 2026 – The U.S. deploys the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln near Iranian waters and positions the world’s largest carrier USS Gerald R Ford near the Strait of Gibraltar, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio demands Iran halt enrichment and missile ranges, and Trump gives the world a “10‑day” deadline to see a deal or face “bad things” [1][2][3][6][7][8][26].

Feb 19, 2026 – White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt urges Iran to “strike a deal” with Trump, emphasizing a diplomatic solution even as Trump hints at a possible strike as early as Saturday and the Supreme Leader posts an AI‑generated image of the Gerald R Ford sinking [3][2].

Feb 20, 2026 – Iran conducts live‑fire drills with Russia in the Strait of Hormuz as the carrier USS Gerald R Ford moves toward the eastern Mediterranean; Trump repeats that Iran has 10‑15 days to seal a nuclear deal or face “bad things,” while a senior U.S. official says full forces will be ready for action by mid‑March and Iran will draft a written proposal following the Geneva talks [30][26].

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