Washington: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he is considering a limited military strike on Iran to pressure Tehran into agreeing to a nuclear deal. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he was weighing potential military options alongside ongoing negotiations.
When asked whether the U.S. might take limited military action during talks, Trump replied, “I think I’m considering that.” His comments come just hours after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran is very close to finalizing a draft nuclear agreement with Washington.
Iran Nears Draft Deal
In a television interview on Friday, Araghchi said that Iran plans to finalize a draft deal within two to three days and send it to Washington. “I don’t think it will take long,” he said, adding that formal, serious negotiations could begin within a week, potentially leading to a resolution.
Tensions and Military Movements
The U.S. and its European allies have expressed concern that Iran is advancing its nuclear weapons program, which Tehran has consistently denied. U.S. and Iranian officials have met in Geneva, Switzerland, reporting progress in discussions, though both sides have signaled that they are prepared for war if negotiations fail.
Araghchi warned, “We are ready for diplomacy, and we are as ready for negotiations as we are for war.” Meanwhile, the U.S. military has increased its presence in the Middle East, sending the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest warship, toward the region. Photographs posted by maritime sources show the vessel entering the Mediterranean via the Strait of Gibraltar.
Satellite imagery indicates that Iran is also bolstering its military readiness. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued threats against the U.S. on social media. Iran expert Ali Wez, from the International Crisis Group, told the Associated Press that Iran “would consider any kinetic action as a threat to its very existence.”
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