Trump Signals Possible Limited Strikes on Iran President Donald Trump told reporters on Feb. 20 he is “considering” limited military action against Iran and warned the U.S. could act if negotiations stall [1][2]. He added that Iran must “negotiate a fair deal” and cited a 10‑15‑day window for a settlement based on recent Geneva talks [1][2]. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine filed a resolution demanding congressional authorization before any strike, reflecting bipartisan war‑powers concerns [1][2].

Iranian Foreign Minister Promises Draft Deal Within Days Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on “Morning Joe” that Tehran expects a draft nuclear agreement in the next two to three days and hopes to begin “real, serious negotiations” within a week [1][2]. He emphasized Iran’s willingness to pursue diplomacy while also preparing for the possibility of war [1][2]. The statement came amid stalled indirect talks that have been deadlocked since the 2018 U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA [1][2].

U.S. Deploys USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Group to Mediterranean The carrier strike group led by USS Gerald R. Ford moved from the Caribbean, passed through the Strait of Gibraltar, and entered the Mediterranean on Feb. 20, marking the largest U.S. Middle‑East deployment in decades [1][2]. Additional warships and aircraft are en route, bolstering U.S. presence as diplomatic pressure intensifies [1][2]. The deployment underscores Washington’s readiness to project power while negotiations proceed [1][2].

Both Parties Claim War Readiness, Warn of Escalation Araghchi warned Iran is prepared for diplomacy, negotiation, and war, signaling a dual‑track approach [1][2]. International Crisis Group expert Ali Vaez cautioned that any U.S. kinetic action would be viewed by Tehran as an existential threat and likely trigger retaliation [1][2]. Trump’s 10‑15‑day estimate for a deal reflects confidence that diplomacy can succeed before military options become unavoidable [1][2].