Top Headlines

Feeds

Trump Gives Iran 10‑15 Days to Strike Deal as Massive Carrier Buildup Looms

Updated (45 articles)
  • 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
  • The US has been building up its military presence near Iran in recent weeks
    The US has been building up its military presence near Iran in recent weeks
    Image: BBC
    The US has been building up its military presence near Iran in recent weeks (Reuters) Source Full size
  • Trump warns he's considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent
    Trump warns he's considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Trump warns he's considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent (Credit: via ap) Source Full size
  • None
    None
    Image: Le Monde
    Le Monde 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
  • Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a ceremony commemorating the death anniversary of the late commander of the Iran’s Revolutionary Guard expeditionary Quds Force, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone attack in 2020 in Iraq, at the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a ceremony commemorating the death anniversary of the late commander of the Iran’s Revolutionary Guard expeditionary Quds Force, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone attack in 2020 in Iraq, at the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
    Image: Newsweek
    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a ceremony commemorating the death anniversary of the late commander of the Iran’s Revolutionary Guard expeditionary Quds Force, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone attack in 2020 in Iraq, at the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Source Full size
  • None
    None
    Image: AP
    Source Full size
  • None
    None
    Image: Le Monde
    Le Monde Source Full size
  • None
    None
    Image: AP
    Source Full size
  • 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
  • None
    None
    Image: BBC
    Getty Images 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
  • The US has been building up its military presence near Iran in recent weeks
    The US has been building up its military presence near Iran in recent weeks
    Image: BBC
    The US has been building up its military presence near Iran in recent weeks (Reuters) Source Full size
  • Steve Witkoff was the lead US negotiator during indirect talks with Iran in Switzerland on Tuesday
    Steve Witkoff was the lead US negotiator during indirect talks with Iran in Switzerland on Tuesday
    Image: BBC
    Steve Witkoff was the lead US negotiator during indirect talks with Iran in Switzerland on Tuesday (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • None
    None
    Image: BBC
    Getty Images Source Full size
  • None
    None
    Image: BBC
    EPA Source Full size
  • None
    None
    Image: BBC
    Source Full size
  • Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a ceremony commemorating the death anniversary of the late commander of the Iran’s Revolutionary Guard expeditionary Quds Force, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone attack in 2020 in Iraq, at the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a ceremony commemorating the death anniversary of the late commander of the Iran’s Revolutionary Guard expeditionary Quds Force, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone attack in 2020 in Iraq, at the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
    Image: Newsweek
    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a ceremony commemorating the death anniversary of the late commander of the Iran’s Revolutionary Guard expeditionary Quds Force, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone attack in 2020 in Iraq, at the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Source Full size
  • 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
  • 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
  • None
    None
    Image: AP
    Source Full size
  • None
    None
    Image: AP
    Source Full size
  • Trump warns he's considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent
    Trump warns he's considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Trump warns he's considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent (Credit: via 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
  • None
    None
    Image: Le Monde
    Le Monde Source Full size
  • Le ministre des affaires étrangères iranien, Abbas Araghtchi, à Genève (Suisse), le 17 février 2026.PIERRE ALBOUY / REUTERS
    Le ministre des affaires étrangères iranien, Abbas Araghtchi, à Genève (Suisse), le 17 février 2026.PIERRE ALBOUY / REUTERS
    Image: Le Monde
    Le ministre des affaires étrangères iranien, Abbas Araghtchi, à Genève (Suisse), le 17 février 2026.PIERRE ALBOUY / REUTERS (PIERRE ALBOUY / REUTERS) Source Full size
  • None
    None
    Image: Le Monde
    Le Monde Source Full size
  • 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 Amid Massive Military Buildup President Donald Trump warned Tehran that it has ten to fifteen days to present a draft nuclear agreement, saying “bad things will happen” if the deadline is missed [13][15][14][16][18]. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the warning, urging Iran to be “very wise” and accept a deal [13][18]. The United States has moved the nuclear‑powered carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, added a second carrier group, and deployed more than 120 additional aircraft—the largest Middle‑East buildup since 2003 [13][15][16][19]. Additional warships, including destroyers and F‑35 fighters, are en route, with full force readiness projected for mid‑March [14][15]. Congressional leaders have introduced war‑powers resolutions, reflecting bipartisan concern over the president’s unilateral options [10][11][17].

Diplomatic Track Focuses on Geneva Talks and Draft Proposal Envoy Steve Witkoff and former president’s son‑in‑law Jared Kushner are steering indirect negotiations in Geneva, returning Thursday for a critical session [2][6][7][9][10][11][12]. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters a draft deal will be ready within two‑to‑three days and described the prospect as a “win‑win” diplomatic solution [6][9][10][11][12]. Oman’s ambassador Badr Albusaidi is mediating the next round, which the BBC says showed “progress” in the February 17 talks [6][13]. Tehran insists on retaining uranium enrichment while the United States maintains a zero‑enrichment demand, a point of contention highlighted by Le Monde and CNN [7][2][12]. Both sides have signaled readiness for war if talks fail, with Iran’s officials warning of a decisive response to any U.S. aggression [5][6][12].

U.S. Weighs Three Military Options From Limited Strike to Regime Change Trump is reviewing three strategies: continued diplomacy, a limited strike on missile sites, nuclear facilities, and IRGC assets, or a full regime‑change campaign using the forces already positioned [2][4][8][20][16]. The limited strike would target specific missile and nuclear installations, while the regime‑change plan could involve simultaneous waves against Iranian leadership, air defenses, and Basij forces [2][4][8]. White House officials admit there is no single coherent justification for a second strike, and legal authority for a follow‑up attack within eight months remains unclear [1][20]. Trump has publicly said he prefers a deal but warned that without one “it will be a very bad day for that country and its people” [2][5]. Advisors such as Jared Kushner push for a diplomatic resolution, whereas some military leaders warn of high casualties in a larger operation [2][16].

Intelligence and IAEA Assess Iran’s Nuclear Status In March, U.S. intelligence concluded Iran is “not building a nuclear weapon,” contradicting Trump’s claim that the June 2025 strikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capability [1][16]. The IAEA reports Iran is enriching uranium to 60 %—well above the 3.67 % JCPOA limit—and that most enriched material remains after the June attacks [7][16]. Iranian officials assert the June strikes decimated the program, but independent analysts describe the damage as temporary and note that the program continues [1][4][9]. The United States continues to demand zero enrichment and missile curbs, while Iran disputes the zero‑enrichment demand and insists its enrichment activities are peaceful [7][12][2].

Iran’s Domestic Unrest and Military Preparations Heighten Tensions On Feb 20, at least 20 anti‑regime protests erupted across eight provinces, with HRANA reporting over 7,000 deaths—including 6,508 protesters—while the regime sentenced 26 demonstrators to death [6][14][17]. Senior Iranian commanders inspected air‑defense zones, naval bases, and missile facilities, signaling a last‑minute push to boost combat readiness [3][14]. Iran and Russia conducted joint naval drills near the Strait of Hormuz, rehearsing anti‑ship and hijack‑response operations [14][17]. Hezbollah’s potential involvement and regional alarm over Iran’s missile exports to Russia add further complexity to the standoff [3][8][19].

Sources

Related Tickers

by TradingView

Videos (3)

Timeline

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

Dec 30, 2025 – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian posts on X that Iran’s response to any “cruel aggression” will be “harsh and discouraging,” a direct rebuke to Trump’s warning that the U.S. will strike if Iran rebuilds its nuclear program [24].

Dec 31, 2025 – Reports reveal the IRGC is developing chemical‑ and biological‑warhead payloads for ballistic missiles, prompting Trump to warn that the United States “could back Israeli strikes” if Tehran rebuilds long‑range missiles or advances its nuclear work [23].

Jan 13, 2026 – Trump hints at “very strong options” against Iran after the crackdown on protesters; Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf says any U.S. attack will make American bases and ships legitimate targets, while President Masoud Pezeshkian vows a “harsh and discouraging” response [22].

Jan 15, 2026 – Newsweek reports that, despite a depleted stockpile, the United States still retains a powerful arsenal; the White House confirms Trump ordered military assets to be prepared for a possible strike on Iran [21].

Jan 29, 2026 – Trump posts on Truth Social that Iran must negotiate a “fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS” or face a “far worse” strike, while senior adviser Ali Shamkhani warns of “unprecedented” retaliation against the U.S., Israel and supporters; simultaneously, the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group moves into the Indian Ocean, expanding Trump’s operational options [18, 19, 20, 26].

Jan 30, 2026 – At a White House briefing Trump asserts Iran “prefers a deal over war” and sets two conditions—halt the nuclear program and stop killing protesters—to avoid U.S. force; Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi says talks are possible but missiles are excluded, and Iran’s security chief meets Putin to discuss regional issues [5, 17].

Feb 3, 2026 – President Masoud Pezeshkian announces Iran will negotiate with the United States only in a “threat‑free” environment, directing Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to pursue talks under those conditions; Trump threatens “tremendous force,” deploying the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and Tomahawk‑armed destroyers, while a potential Istanbul meeting of regional ministers is floated [4].

Feb 5, 2026 – After the June 2025 “twelve‑day war” and a nationwide protest crackdown, Iran and the United States consider a second round of nuclear talks mediated by Oman; Trump escalates pressure by moving an aircraft carrier into the Persian Gulf and warning of a strike if protest killings continue, while Iran halts enrichment but the IAEA still cannot inspect sites, estimating a 9,870 kg stockpile of uranium [15].

Feb 6, 2026 – With domestic approval below 40 %, Trump faces pressure as U.S.–Iran talks are slated to start Friday in Oman; Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlines U.S. goals—nuclear limits, missile range, terrorist sponsorship, human‑rights concerns—while analysts warn a multi‑day air campaign could jeopardize his midterm election prospects [16].

Feb 17, 2026 – Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declares a “general agreement” has been reached with the United States in Geneva, laying groundwork for a draft nuclear text; Iran reiterates it will not bargain on its ballistic‑missile program, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warns that warships are “dangerous” and pre‑determined outcomes are “wrong and foolish” [14].

Feb 19, 2026 – Trump tells the world there will be a “ten‑day” window to see whether the United States reaches a nuclear deal with Iran or resorts to military action, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt urges Tehran to accept a deal; simultaneously, the U.S. moves a second carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, toward the region, and Iran conducts live‑fire drills with Russia in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Poland and Germany to evacuate personnel [3, 11, 12, 13, 26].

Feb 20, 2026 – Trump issues a new ultimatum at a Board of Peace meeting, mixing diplomatic language with the threat of a fresh air campaign and warning Iran that “time is running out”; he estimates Iran has “10‑15 days” to seal a deal, while the U.S. deploys its largest Middle‑East buildup since 2003, including the carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and additional combat aircraft [2, 9, 10, 28, 29].

Feb 21, 2026 – In a Fox News interview, Trump says he is “curious” why Iran has not capitulated despite the U.S. sea and naval buildup, while special envoy Steve Witkoff notes that Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi expects to hand a draft agreement to the U.S. in the coming days; Oman announces the next Geneva round will occur Thursday, and large university protests erupt across Iran after the January crackdown [1].

Feb 22, 2026 – Iran’s foreign minister confirms a new Geneva meeting for Thursday to work on “elements of an agreement” focused on the nuclear programme, while stressing Iran’s right to self‑defence; the U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff reports Trump wonders why Tehran hasn’t “capitulated” despite the naval pressure, and the International Atomic Energy Agency notes Iran is enriching uranium to 60 %—well above the JCPOA limit [29, 1].

Feb 24, 2026 – Trump hints he may order another strike after claiming the June 2025 attacks “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capability, while Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff suggest a “more extensive campaign” could be raised in the State of the Union; Pentagon analysts reveal U.S. forces are positioned for multi‑wave strikes, exceeding prior limited actions and targeting missile infrastructure, IRGC/Basij nodes, and nuclear sites [6, 7].

Social media (20 posts)

Dive deeper (42 sub-stories)

All related articles (45 articles)

External resources (133 links)