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U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, warning that “really bad things” will happen unless Tehran reaches a deal over its nuclear programme within the next 10 to 15 days, as the United States continues a substantial military buildup in the Middle East, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington, Trump indicated that negotiations with Iran were progressing but insisted that Tehran must secure a “meaningful” agreement.
“Otherwise, bad things happen,” AP cited him saying on Friday, referring to previous U.S. airstrikes that he claimed had “decimated” Iran’s nuclear potential.
“We may have to take it a step further or we may not. You’ll be finding out over the next probably 10 days… 10, 15 days, pretty much maximum.”
Trump refrained from providing specific details but reiterated that Iran would have to reach a deal, one way or another. “
They can't have a nuclear weapon, it's very simple. You can't have peace in the Middle East if they have a nuclear weapon,” he said, underscoring his administration’s insistence on complete Iranian compliance.
In response, Tehran issued a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, asserting that while it does not seek war, it would respond “decisively and proportionately” to any military aggression.
The letter added, “All bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets.
“The United States would bear full and direct responsibility for any unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences.”
The ongoing standoff has sent oil prices higher, reflecting fears of disruption to global energy supplies, and coincides with Russian and Iranian military activity in the Gulf of Oman.
A Russian corvette joined Iranian naval exercises, which also involved special forces units deployed on ships and helicopters, further intensifying international concern.
Negotiations continue, with Iranian and U.S. officials meeting on Tuesday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the parties had agreed on “guiding principles,” while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted some issues remain unresolved.
Trump described the talks as “good” but stressed that Iran must make concrete concessions.
The United States and Israel previously targeted Iranian nuclear and military sites last June. U.S. officials have reiterated that Washington demands Iran entirely abandon uranium enrichment and cease developing long-range ballistic missiles, support for regional proxy groups, and the use of force to suppress internal protests.
Iran, however, maintains it will not negotiate beyond its nuclear programme, viewing restrictions on its missile capabilities as a “red line.”
Amid rising concern, Poland advised its citizens to leave Iran immediately, warning that evacuation windows may be extremely limited. Russia also called for restraint, warning against “unprecedented escalation” as tensions continue to mount.
Trump’s renewed threats follow months of heightened friction after Iranian authorities violently suppressed widespread protests earlier this year, resulting in thousands of deaths, and come as Washington prepares to coordinate closely with Israeli leadership, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio scheduled to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 28 to discuss Iran.
The next fortnight is widely expected to be critical in determining whether diplomacy can prevail or whether the region faces an unprecedented military confrontation. - February 20, 2026