Iran is preparing a draft counterproposal within days following fresh nuclear discussions with the United States, even as US President Donald Trump signalled he is considering limited military strikes and set a 10 to 15-day deadline for Tehran to reach an agreement, as per reports.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reportedly said on Friday that a draft counterproposal could be ready within “the next two or three days.” The comments came after indirect talks held this week in Geneva between Iranian officials and Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, alongside the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Araqchi said the two sides had reached an understanding on key “guiding principles”, but cautioned that this did not indicate a final agreement was imminent.
In Europe, pressure on Tehran appeared to be mounting. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Security and Defence and a lawmaker from Germany’s Free Democratic Party, said she supported calls for the expulsion of Iranian diplomats from Europe and for decisive action against members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, according to Iran International.
Meanwhile, Washington has significantly bolstered its military presence in the Middle East. The United States has deployed two aircraft carriers, fighter jets and refuelling tankers to the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln is accompanied by three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers capable of carrying Tomahawk missiles, while its air wing includes F-35C fighter jets.
As per reports, on Friday, Trump warned that limited strikes against Iran remained a possibility as negotiations continued. Asked whether the US could undertake restricted military action during talks, he replied: “I guess I can say I am considering that.”
The president reiterated that Iran had “10 to 15 days at most” to reach a deal over its nuclear programme.
A senior Iranian government official, speaking anonymously to the media, said Tehran would likely suspend participation in negotiations if the US launched any military strike.
In Washington, members of Congress are reportedly preparing to vote as early as next week on a measure aimed at blocking the president from launching military action against Iran without prior approval from lawmakers, adding a further layer of political tension to the unfolding diplomatic efforts.
Leave a Reply