U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to strike a deal within 10-15 days or face "really bad things," after Geneva talks this week ended without a breakthrough despite claims of progress. The comment comes amid a buildup of military from both sides in the region.
He made the comment at the first Board of Peace gathering in Washington on Thursday (19 February).
Trump said Iran’s nuclear potential had been "decimated" referring to last June's attacks, and added, "We may have to take it a step further or we may not. You’ll be finding out over the next probably 10 days."
Later, aboard Air Force One, he said: "I would think that would be enough time, 10, 15 days, pretty much maximum."
In a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday, Iran said it would not initiate hostilities but warned that "in the event that it is subjected to military aggression, Iran will respond decisively and proportionately."
The correspondence said "all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets."
Iranian and U.S. negotiators met in Geneva on Tuesday where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said both sides agreed on "guiding principles," while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said key differences remained.
Trump said "good talks are being had," and a senior U.S. official said Iran would submit a written proposal addressing American concerns.
"They can't have a nuclear weapon, it's very simple," Trump said. "You can't have peace in the Middle East if they have a nuclear weapon."
Iran maintains its programme is for peaceful purposes. The U.S. and Israel have previously accused Tehran of seeking a weapons capability.
Russia on Thursday urged restraint, warning of an "unprecedented escalation of tension" as the U.S. deployment of additional forces continued.
Iran’s joint naval exercise with Russia followed extended Iranian drills in the Gulf of Oman, with state television showing special forces operating from helicopters and ships.
A senior American official said the buildup of U.S. military should be completed by mid-March.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 28 February to discuss the nuclear file.
Washington wants Iran to halt uranium enrichment, give up long-range missiles, stop supporting armed groups in the region and end the use of force against internal unrest. Iran refuses to negotiate beyond the atomic issue and describes its missile programme as non-negotiable.
It's after the United States and Israel struck Iranian nuclear and military facilities last June in a 12-day war.
Meanwhile Poland has advised its citizens on Thursday to leave Iran, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk saying they "may only have hours" to depart due to rising tension, according to local media reports.
Trump renewed his warnings in January as Iranian authorities suppressed widespread protests, drawing fresh criticism from Western governments.
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The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
As diplomacy helps ease tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan and Iran are seeking to turn that momentum into closer security cooperation along one of South Asia's most sensitive borders.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 25 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Tehran has agreed to let the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommence inspections of its nuclear programme, U.S. Vice President JD Vance has said. The U.S. and Iran have settled on a 60-day roadmap aimed at reaching a final deal, according to mediators Qatar and Pakistan.
Russia has called for clarification on whether U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his position on the war in Ukraine following remarks made at the recent G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains.
As Western Europe battles a deadly heatwave that has shattered temperature records, disrupted transport and power supplies, and forced the closure of schools and cultural landmarks, attention is turning to whether El Niño is playing a role in the extreme conditions.
Israel's defence minister said on Wednesday Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, highlighting a hurdle to Iran-U.S. peace talks, as the top U.S. diplomat tours the Middle East to win over allies sceptical about a proposed deal.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
Brazil and Mexico secured statement wins at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Vinícius Jr starred in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland, while Mexico beat Czechia to finish top of Group A. South Africa also made history by reaching the knockouts for the first time.
The United Kingdom recorded a provisional high of 36.4°C on Thursday, according to the Met Office, making it the hottest June day on record. The extreme heat is part of a wider heatwave affecting much of Western Europe, with temperatures remaining well above seasonal averages.
At least 188 people have been killed and 1,520 injured after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said. The quakes caused widespread destruction around Caracas, collapsing buildings and trapping residents, with fears the toll could rise significantly.
NATO has grown from 12 founding members in 1949 to a 32-country alliance spanning Europe and North America. Its combined military strength, defence spending and future ambitions underline its position as the world's largest military alliance.
China has urged the United States to end its decades-long sanctions and embargo on Cuba after Washington imposed new restrictive measures on entities and an individual linked to the Cuban government.
India and the U.S. are close to finalising a long-awaited trade agreement, Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday after the latest round of negotiations with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
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