Trump Weighs Iran Strike Amid Nuclear Deal Talks

Donald Trump has said he is considering a limited military strike on Iran, even as diplomatic talks continue between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme.

The US President confirmed on Friday that military action remains an option. When asked whether he was contemplating a limited strike, Trump replied, “The most I can say — I am considering it.”

His comments came after the US ordered a major naval buildup in the Middle East to increase pressure on Tehran to reach a nuclear agreement. Washington has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln earlier this year and has now sent the USS Gerald Ford to the region as well.

Iran Says Draft Nuclear Deal Ready Soon

After recent negotiations in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that a draft proposal for a possible agreement would be ready within days.

According to Araghchi, both sides agreed to exchange draft texts following discussions. He said the proposal would be handed over to US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff after final approval from Iranian authorities.

Araghchi also stated that the US had not demanded that Iran completely stop uranium enrichment. He said discussions are focused on ensuring that Iran’s nuclear programme remains peaceful.

However, US officials, including Trump, have repeatedly said that Iran must not enrich uranium at any level. Western countries accuse Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies. Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes.

Sanctions And Economic Pressure

Iran is seeking relief from heavy US sanctions, which have severely affected its economy. Economic hardships have led to protests in recent months, with rights groups reporting thousands of deaths in a government crackdown.

Araghchi denied that Iran is facing any ultimatum from the US. He said both countries are interested in reaching a quick agreement, as lifting sanctions sooner would benefit Iran.

Rising Military Tensions

The talks come amid heightened military tensions. Trump recently warned that “bad things” would happen if Iran did not reach a deal within 15 days, extending an earlier 10-day deadline.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations warned that US bases and assets in the region would be considered legitimate targets if the US carried out military strikes.

Meanwhile, Israel has placed its military on defensive alert over the situation with Iran, although there has been no change in public guidelines.

Iranian naval forces have also conducted military exercises in the Gulf and near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, signaling readiness amid rising tensions.

As nuclear negotiations continue, both diplomacy and military pressure appear to be moving side by side, keeping the region on edge.