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Trump Issues 10‑15‑Day Deal Deadline as U.S. Buildup Peaks Near Iran

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  • Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said a proposal for an agreement with the US will be ready in days
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  • Left: Screengrab of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in an interview with MSNBC. Right: President Donald Trump speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, en route to Washington from West Palm Beach, Fla.
    Left: Screengrab of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in an interview with MSNBC. Right: President Donald Trump speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, en route to Washington from West Palm Beach, Fla.
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    Left: Screengrab of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in an interview with MSNBC. Right: President Donald Trump speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, en route to Washington from West Palm Beach, Fla. Source Full size
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  • Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said a proposal for an agreement with the US will be ready in days
    Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said a proposal for an agreement with the US will be ready in days
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  • Left: Screengrab of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in an interview with MSNBC. Right: President Donald Trump speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, en route to Washington from West Palm Beach, Fla.
    Left: Screengrab of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in an interview with MSNBC. Right: President Donald Trump speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, en route to Washington from West Palm Beach, Fla.
    Image: Newsweek
    Left: Screengrab of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in an interview with MSNBC. Right: President Donald Trump speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, en route to Washington from West Palm Beach, Fla. Source Full size
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  • Trump warns he's considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent
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  • 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
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  • Les avions de combat présents sur la base américaine Muwaffaq Salti (Jordanie), le 20 février 2026.AIRBUS DS 2026
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  • L’ayatollah Ali Khamenei lors d’un discours, à Téhéran, le 17 février 2026, sur une photo diffusée par le bureau du Guide suprême iranien.KHAMENEI.IR/AFP
    L’ayatollah Ali Khamenei lors d’un discours, à Téhéran, le 17 février 2026, sur une photo diffusée par le bureau du Guide suprême iranien.KHAMENEI.IR/AFP
    Image: Le Monde
    L’ayatollah Ali Khamenei lors d’un discours, à Téhéran, le 17 février 2026, sur une photo diffusée par le bureau du Guide suprême iranien.KHAMENEI.IR/AFP (KHAMENEI.IR/AFP) Source Full size

Trump Sets 10‑15‑Day Deadline While Iran Prepares Draft Deal President Donald Trump told reporters on Feb 20‑21 that the United States will decide within “10‑15 days, pretty much maximum” whether to launch a limited strike, warning Tehran of “bad things” if a deal is not reached [6][8][7][4][13]. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on MSNOW’s “Morning Joe” that a draft nuclear agreement would be ready in the next two to three days, with “real, serious negotiations” possible within a week [4][7][8][6]. Trump’s timeline echoes earlier deadlines he set in 2025, linking diplomatic pressure to a potential military option [6][13][18]. Both sides publicly claim readiness for war and peace, heightening the risk of miscalculation [2][5][11]. The ultimatum follows a “principle agreement” reached at Geneva on Feb 17, though negotiators remain divided on enrichment limits [3][10][14].

U.S. Deploys Largest Middle‑East Buildup Since 2003 The Pentagon moved the world’s largest carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, and the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, together with destroyers, F‑35, F‑22, F‑15, F‑16 fighters and dozens of support aircraft, to the eastern Mediterranean and Arabian Sea [15][9][13][14][3]. Satellite imagery showed 30 combat jets at Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti base on Feb 18, rising to 59 by Feb 20, while Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia received multiple E‑3 Sentries and refueling tankers [3][9]. Over 10,700 service members now operate from the two carrier groups, marking the biggest U.S. presence in West Asia since the 2003 Iraq invasion [15][14][19]. Regional monarchies host the fleet but express reservations about Washington’s war‑like posture [3][11]. Despite the scale, ground forces remain limited, reflecting a focus on air‑and‑naval power [3][15].

Iran Reinforces Nuclear Facilities and Shows Missile‑Drone Readiness Tehran has buried key structures at several nuclear sites under concrete and soil piles, a defensive measure observed via satellite after the U.S. buildup [9][5]. Iranian officials report that missile and drone inventories—including Shahed suicide drones and more than 20 ballistic missile types—have been replenished following the June 2025 strikes on Israel [2][5]. IRGC commanders inspected air‑defense zones in Tabriz, Babolsar, Birjand, the Shahid Nezafat naval base and an underground missile facility, signaling last‑minute combat readiness [5]. Iran’s foreign minister warned that any U.S. kinetic action would be met with decisive, proportional retaliation [11][19]. Analysts note that despite the fortifications, most enriched nuclear material remains intact, underscoring the urgency of a diplomatic solution [18][2].

Regional Proxies and Allies Brace for Escalation Iraqi militias (Kataeb Hezbollah, Harakat al‑Nujaba), Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi forces pledged to defend Tehran, with Kataeb commander Abu Hussein al‑Hamidawi urging global loyalists to prepare for all‑out war [2][5][16]. Gulf allies host the expanding U.S. fleet but voice concern over potential spillover, while Israel’s Netanyahu warned of an “unimaginable” response if Iran attacks [16][14][19]. Russia conducted a joint live‑fire naval drill with Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, rehearsing anti‑ship and hijack‑response scenarios [11][14][19]. The United States warned that closing the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global recession, as Iran retains the capability to disrupt oil and LNG flows [2][10]. Proxy readiness and great‑power drills amplify the risk of a broader regional conflict [5][16].

Domestic Unrest Persists Amid Diplomatic Pressure Iran recorded at least 20 anti‑regime protests across eight provinces on Feb 20, five of them drawing over 1,000 participants, while the regime sentenced at least 26 demonstrators, including a minor, to death [5][20]. The crackdown follows months of severe repression after the June 2025 strikes, fueling nationalist sentiment and influencing Tehran’s external posture [20][5]. Protesters continue to demand political freedoms despite the government’s claim of “war‑or‑peace” readiness [4][5]. International observers note that internal instability may affect Iran’s negotiating leverage in the Geneva talks [14][20]. The convergence of internal dissent, external threats, and diplomatic deadlock creates a volatile environment for the coming weeks [5][14].

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Quinnipac: 7 Out Of 10 Voters Do Not Want The U.S. To Take Military Action Against Iran For Killing Of Protesters, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; 70% Say Presidents Should Seek Congressional Approval Before Taking Military Action Against Another Country

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Timeline

Dec 22, 2025 – Iran’s foreign‑ministry spokesman declares its ballistic‑missile programme “defensive and non‑negotiable,” insisting the arsenal deters aggression and will not be discussed in any deal, a stance shaped by the June 2025 12‑day war that saw Israel and the United States strike Iranian nuclear and missile sites[24].

July 2025 – The United States carries out Operation Midnight Hammer, a limited strike on Iranian nuclear facilities after publicly setting a two‑week deadline, establishing a pattern of using tight timelines to pressure Tehran[1].

June 2025 – U.S. B‑2 bombers launch a coordinated attack on three Iranian nuclear installations, demonstrating the capability to conduct large‑scale strikes while diplomatic talks continue[17].

June 2025 – Israel and the United States conduct a 12‑day war against Iran, targeting nuclear, missile and military sites; Iran later frames its missile programme as purely defensive in response[24][28].

Jan 12, 2026 – President Donald Trump tells reporters that “Iran wants to negotiate,” while Omani officials travel to Tehran to mediate, signaling a brief diplomatic opening amid rising tensions[23].

Jan 13‑15, 2026 – Analysts map potential U.S. strike targets, warning that any new attack must avoid civilian areas to prevent alienating Iranian protestors and to limit political fallout[22].

Jan 15‑16, 2026 – Arab states—including Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Egypt—press Washington and Tehran to restrain, the United States moves the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group toward the Gulf, and the UN Security Council convenes to call for restraint[21].

Jan 27, 2026 – A billboard in Tehran’s Enghelab Square depicts the USS Abraham Lincoln drenched in blood with the caption “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind,” while Trump asserts that U.S. ships are positioned “just in case” a conflict erupts[20].

Jan 28, 2026 – Trump posts on Truth Social that a “massive Armada” led by the Abraham Lincoln carrier is heading toward Iran and warns Tehran of “far worse” attacks if it does not accept U.S. terms[19].

Jan 29, 2026 – Iran’s former security council secretary Ali Shamkhani warns on X that any U.S. strike will trigger “immediate, comprehensive, and unprecedented” retaliation against the United States, Israel and their supporters; Trump revives the strike threat and orders the carrier armada to conduct drills[18].

Jan 30, 2026 – The United States surges forces to the Middle East: the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group arrives in the Arabian Sea, THAAD and Patriot batteries deploy to Al Udeid Air Base, and a multiday combat‑power exercise begins, echoing the June 2025 B‑2 operation[17].

Feb 2, 2026 – Turkey seeks to convene U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff with Iranian leaders by week’s end, while the USS Abraham Lincoln and destroyers remain on station; the EU designates the IRGC as a terrorist organization, prompting Tehran to label all EU militaries terrorist[16].

Feb 3, 2026 – Iran signals readiness for U.S. talks if “threat‑free” conditions exist; Trump tells reporters he is “considering” limited strikes and estimates “10‑15 days” for a deal, while potential Istanbul talks are floated amid massive protest deaths[15].

Feb 3‑4, 2026 – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian orders “fair and equitable” negotiations; an F‑35C from the USS Abraham Lincoln shoots down an approaching Iranian Shahed‑139 drone in international waters, heightening the risk of direct conflict[14].

Feb 4‑5, 2026 – In an NBC interview, Trump warns Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of “very hard” retaliation if Tehran proceeds with a new nuclear site; Iran confirms Friday talks in Muscat and the White House shifts the venue from Turkey after Arab pressure, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio stresses that any agreement must also curb Iran’s missile program and regional proxies[30].

Feb 5, 2026 – Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi announces that the Oman talks will occur on Friday (Feb 7), thanking Muscat for facilitating the meeting and underscoring Tehran’s willingness to negotiate nuclear limits[13].

Feb 6, 2026 – Trump’s approval falls below 40 %; he frames the upcoming Oman talks as Iran’s “last chance” and warns that failure could lead to “bad things,” while the United States prepares a broader agenda that includes missiles, regional influence and human‑rights issues[12].

Feb 6, 2026 – U.S. and Iranian negotiators meet in Muscat, with special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Araghchi present; the United States presses for a comprehensive package beyond nuclear limits, while Tehran insists talks stay nuclear‑focused[29].

Feb 16, 2026 – Secretary of State Marco Rubio declares Iran “very difficult” to reach a real deal because “radical Shia clerics” make theological decisions; the United States adds a second carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, to the region, and Iran offers to dilute its 60 % enriched uranium in exchange for sanctions relief[11].

Feb 17, 2026 – Iran claims a “general agreement” has been reached with the United States in Geneva, laying groundwork for a draft deal text, while Supreme Leader Khamenei warns that pre‑determined negotiation outcomes are “wrong and foolish”[10].

Feb 18, 2026 – Iran temporarily closes parts of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting about 20 % of global oil flow; the United States’ Central Command warns of unsafe behavior near its forces but does not comment on the closure, and Supreme Leader Khamenei threatens a “slap” that could cripple the world’s strongest army[9].

Feb 19, 2026 – Trump tells the world that “over the next, probably, 10 days” it will see whether the United States reaches a nuclear deal with Iran or launches military action; the Board of Peace expands its scope beyond Gaza, and Congress plans a War Powers Act vote, though passage looks unlikely[3].

Feb 19, 2026 – The United States deploys two carrier strike groups—the USS Gerald R Ford heading toward the Mediterranean and the USS Abraham Lincoln positioned off Oman—providing “800‑sortie” daily strike capacity and reinforcing Trump’s ten‑day deadline[4].

Feb 19, 2026 – Washington demands Iran halt uranium enrichment, limit missile ranges, stop backing armed groups and improve human‑rights conditions; Supreme Leader Khamenei weighs a limited war over surrender, while regional analysts warn a U.S. strike could destabilize the Gulf and spark power vacuums[5].

Feb 20, 2026 – Trump says he is “considering a limited military strike on Iran” to force a curtailment of Tehran’s nuclear program, adding that the world will know “within the next, probably, 10 days” whether a deal or action occurs[1].

Feb 20, 2026 – At a Board of Peace meeting, Trump delivers a new ultimatum that mixes diplomatic language with the threat of a fresh U.S. air campaign, echoing his contradictory foreign‑policy impulses[2].

Feb 20, 2026 – Trump reiterates that limited strikes remain an option while Iran’s foreign minister promises a draft nuclear agreement in “two to three days”; the USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group moves from the Caribbean into the Mediterranean, marking the largest U.S. Middle‑East deployment in decades[7].

Feb 20, 2026 – The United States sets a ten‑day deadline for Iran to present substantive nuclear steps by the end of February; the Gerald R Ford carrier heads to the region, Iran conducts a joint naval drill with Russia on Feb 19, and Israel and Lebanon brace for possible Hezbollah involvement while the United States announces a conditions‑based pull‑out of its remaining Syrian bases over the next two months[26].

Feb 21, 2026 – The United States shifts to an air‑and‑naval posture, amassing unprecedented combat‑jet numbers in Jordan (30 on Feb 18, rising to 59 by Feb 20) and keeping ground troops limited, while Geneva talks conclude with a “principle agreement” on Iran’s nuclear program[27].

Feb 21, 2026 – Analysts warn that a rapid “flash” U.S. strike like the January Venezuela operation is unrealistic; even decapitating Supreme Leader Khamenei would not topple the regime, and the current standoff functions as an ultimatum rather than genuine negotiations, shaped by lessons from the June 2025 12‑day war[28].

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