Trump warns Iran of 'bad things' without nuclear deal, sets 10-15 day deadline

President Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday that it must reach a deal on its nuclear program within 10 to 15 days or face "really bad things." Speaking at the first meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington, Trump said negotiations were going well but demanded a "meaningful" agreement.

Trump referenced U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities in June, stating they had "decimated" Iran's nuclear potential and that further action might be necessary. Aboard Air Force One, he specified "10, 15 days, pretty much maximum" for Iran to comply, insisting Tehran join the U.S. on the "path to peace" and abandon nuclear weapons ambitions.

Iran responded in a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stating it would not initiate war but would "respond decisively and proportionately" to any aggression, targeting U.S. bases and assets in the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tuesday's talks with U.S. negotiators agreed on "guiding principles," though White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noted remaining differences. A senior U.S. official said Iran would submit a written proposal.

The warnings come amid a U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, including aircraft carriers, warships and jets, expected to complete by mid-March. Oil prices have risen, and a Russian corvette joined Iranian naval drills in the Gulf of Oman. Russia urged restraint against escalation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 28 to discuss Iran. Trump proposed the Board of Peace in September to address global conflicts, including Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.