Trump Threatens Military Action as Iran Nears Nuclear 'Red Line'
Tensions are mounting between the U.S. and Iran as Special Envoy Steve Witkoff warned that Iran could be a week away
from having industrial-grade bomb-making material
. This comes amid President Donald Trump's threats of military action unless Iran agrees to a nuclear deal. The president's stance has raised questions about his intentions and the potential implications of a military conflict.
Context and Background
The U.S. has been pressuring Iran to halt its nuclear program, which Trump has accused of violating his zero enrichment
red line. The president has been considering an initial targeted attack on Iran to pressure Tehran into agreement, according to The Times of Israel. Reports also suggest that Trump may be mulling a regime change. However, Iran has warned that any action will be met with a 'ferocious' response.
The situation has been further complicated by reports that U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Daniel Caine had warned top officials about the risks of a campaign against Tehran. Trump has hit out at these reports, insisting that Caine believes a military campaign would be easily won
and that he would be leading the pack
if ordered.
Key Developments
In the wake of these developments, the U.S. has amassed a considerable military force in the Middle East, with Trump warning that Iran will face a very bad day
unless it agrees to a nuclear deal. The U.S. president has given Iran a 10 to 15 day ultimatum to reach an agreement or face potential military action. Iran has responded defiantly, with President Masoud Pezeshkian vowing not to bow down
to pressure tied to nuclear negotiations.
Meanwhile, anti-government protests are resurging across Iran, adding domestic pressure to the regime as nuclear negotiations with the U.S. are set to resume.
Reactions and Implications
The potential for military conflict has been met with concern from various quarters. General Dan Caine has reportedly warned that strikes against Iran could be risky, potentially drawing the U.S. into a prolonged conflict. Furthermore, the US military potential is estimated to be enough for only four to five days of strikes on Iran, according to TASS.
Despite the escalating tensions, Trump has insisted that his preference is to resolve the situation through diplomacy, an assertion echoed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. However, she also stated that Trump is willing to use the lethal force of the United States military if necessary
.
Current Status
The situation remains fluid, with both sides seemingly on a collision course. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated that a draft for a potential new nuclear agreement could be presented to the U.S. within days. As the world watches, the question remains whether a surprise deal can be achieved or if a military conflict is inevitable. The next meeting is due to take place in Geneva, where Tehran is expected to table a draft agreement.