US President Donald Trump has said the coming days will be critical in deciding whether the United States reaches an agreement with Iran or moves toward possible military action.
Speaking in Washington during the first meeting of his newly formed Board of Peace, Trump said the world would know “over the next, probably, 10 days” whether progress is made.
“We have to make a meaningful deal otherwise bad things happen,” he said, referring to ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
Talks between American and Iranian officials have continued in Switzerland, with US representatives reporting progress. Trump said his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, had “some very good meetings.”
At the same time, the United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East. Additional aircraft and naval assets, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, have been deployed to the region.
The military movements come as Washington weighs its options if negotiations fail.
Iran has responded with caution but also with firm warnings. In a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said recent US statements signal a serious risk of confrontation. However, it stressed that Tehran does not seek war.
Iran also warned that US bases in the region could become targets if they are used in any attack.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, posted a message on social media saying:
“The US President constantly says that the US has sent a warship toward Iran. Of course, a warship is a dangerous piece of military hardware.”
“However, more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea.” He added.
Within the United States, there is debate over how far the president can go without approval from Congress. Some Democratic and Republican lawmakers have said military action should require congressional consent under the 1973 War Powers Act.
Representative Ro Khanna warned online, “A war with Iran would be catastrophic.” He noted that Iran has significant military capabilities and that US troops stationed across the Middle East could face retaliation.
The situation is being closely watched across the Middle East and beyond. For African countries, which rely heavily on global energy markets and stable trade routes, any escalation could affect oil prices, shipping, and regional security.
Trump’s Board of Peace was originally expected to focus on the war in Gaza. However, its scope now appears wider, raising questions about how it may shape US foreign policy in multiple conflict areas.
The White House says diplomacy remains the preferred path. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran would be “very wise” to reach an agreement.
For now, negotiations continue, even as military preparations raise concern.