The Trump administration has given Iran 10 to 15 days to agree to U.S. terms in the ongoing nuclear talks, warning that Tehran would be “very wise” to make a deal. Unlike previous U.S. administrations that put a band-aid on the cancer, President Trump is making demands that would eliminate the Iranian threat almost completely.
He is calling for a full halt to all uranium enrichment, the dismantling of Iran’s proxy network by ending funding and arms transfers to proxy groups such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and militias in Iraq and Syria, and limits on Iran’s long-range ballistic missile program, which was excluded from Obama’s 2015 nuclear deal.
Following the violent suppression of nationwide protests in late 2025 and early 2026, Trump has also tied negotiations to the regime’s treatment of its own citizens, warning of strikes if executions of protesters continue.
The remarks came during the second round of nuclear talks in Geneva, where U.S. officials say Iran has not met core demands. Vice President JD Vance accused Tehran of avoiding key issues, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed progress, citing agreement on “guiding principles.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said there were “many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran” but emphasized that diplomacy remains President Trump’s first option. She referenced last June’s Operation Midnight Hammer, when coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan using B-2 stealth bombers and bunker-buster munitions.
Although claims that Iran’s nuclear program was “completely obliterated” were overstated, the operation significantly degraded key infrastructure. Iran had moved enriched uranium in advance, and while facilities were damaged rather than destroyed, the program did not return to pre-strike operational levels.
Despite the foreign minister’s claims of progress, the phrase “guiding principles” signals only an agreement to continue negotiating rather than resolution of any core issue. The parties committed to exchanging draft proposals and maintaining dialogue, but no narrowing of disputes was announced on enrichment levels, sanctions relief, verification mechanisms, or the scope of talks.
Iran wants negotiations confined strictly to its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and has declared its missile program non-negotiable, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei setting clear red lines on deterrent capabilities. Jason Brodsky of United Against Nuclear Iran told Fox News there is deep skepticism within the administration that talks will produce an acceptable outcome, arguing the diplomatic process may be buying time to position additional U.S. military assets in the region. He said Tehran continues to reject zero enrichment, dismantlement of nuclear infrastructure, missile restrictions, and an end to support for proxy groups.
Behnam Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies warned that Iran could propose an agreement that simply formalizes the current reality, securing sanctions relief without major concessions. He said Tehran’s objectives are to deter a strike, stabilize its economy through financial relief, and blunt internal dissent, while showing potential flexibility only on enrichment parameters if sanctions relief is substantial.
Speaking at Fort Bragg, Trump criticized Tehran’s leadership and argued that greater pressure is needed in nuclear negotiations, describing Iran as “difficult” to deal with. He added that regime change would be the “best thing that could happen” in Iran.
The United States has expanded its military presence in the Middle East, deploying two aircraft carriers near Iranian waters, the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln, supported by dozens of advanced aircraft and more than 50 additional fighter jets at regional bases.
Iran responded with war games in the Strait of Hormuz, joint naval exercises with Russia in the Sea of Oman, temporary maritime restrictions described as security precautions, and renewed emphasis on its anti-ship missile capabilities.
Without naming names, President Trump said, “There are people” who could replace the current regime.
Analysts say the military buildup signals readiness for possible action, even as ambiguity remains over the scope and objective of any strike. Jacob Olidort of the America First Policy Institute said Trump prefers to give diplomacy a chance but would likely turn to military options if talks fail.
Energy markets are watching closely. Iran partially closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints between Oman and Iran. In 2025, about 13 million barrels per day of crude oil flowed through the waterway, accounting for roughly 31% of global seaborne crude flows. Oil prices rose amid heightened tensions, with Brent climbing to $71.41 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate reaching $66.27.
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