Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Thursday, stating that the country had no more than 15 days to reach a nuclear deal with the United States, suggesting that military action could follow if an agreement was not achieved.

“We’re either going to get a deal or it’s going to be unfortunate for them,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that 10 to 15 days should be sufficient for negotiations.

Earlier in the day, Trump had suggested a slightly shorter window of 10 days for Iran to reach an accord, reflecting the tightening pressure on Tehran as U.S. forces in the region continue a military buildup.

 “Board of Peace” Event and U.S. Pressure Strategy

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace”, Trump emphasized the difficulty of reaching a meaningful agreement with Iran, saying:

“It’s proven to be over the years not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran. We have to make a meaningful deal; otherwise, bad things happen.”

He added that without progress, the United States “may have to take it a step further,” signaling potential military escalation.

Diplomatic Engagements Continue

The ultimatum comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. Earlier this week, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner held indirect meetings in Geneva with Iran’s top diplomat, who indicated that some progress had been made in talks.

While Trump has set a hard timeline, officials in Washington acknowledge that negotiations remain complex, especially given Iran’s longstanding strategic goals and domestic pressures following recent unrest.

Regional Tensions and Context

The current diplomatic push follows a month of heightened internal unrest in Iran, during which authorities reportedly crushed major protests that challenged the clerical regime. Analysts warn that ongoing domestic instability, combined with external pressure from the U.S., could further strain Tehran’s willingness to compromise.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 28, reinforcing Washington’s alignment with Israel’s hardline stance on Tehran. Netanyahu has previously advocated strong military action, including last year’s targeted bombing campaign against Iranian-linked infrastructure.

Implications for Regional Security

Trump’s ultimatum underscores the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, particularly as Iran-U.S. tensions intersect with broader Gulf security dynamics. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply, remains a potential flashpoint, with both nations conducting military exercises and patrols in the region.

Energy markets have already reacted, with crude oil prices rising to six-month highs, reflecting investor concerns over potential supply disruptions linked to geopolitical instability.

Analysts warn that failure to reach a deal could trigger further volatility, not just in energy markets but also across international security and diplomatic fronts, affecting Europe, Asia, and U.S. allies in the region.

Key Takeaways:

• Iran has 15 days to reach a nuclear deal with the U.S., or face potential military action.
• Diplomatic talks continue, with envoys meeting indirectly in Geneva.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to consult with Israel’s Netanyahu on next steps.
• Regional tensions are contributing to higher crude prices and global market uncertainty.
• Domestic unrest in Iran adds pressure on Tehran to respond cautiously but firmly.