Trump: Outcome of US-Iran Nuclear Negotiations to Be Determined Within 10 Days

Washington (ANTARA) — US President Donald Trump said on Thursday (19/2) that the outcome of US-Iran nuclear negotiations would be determined within the next 10 days, amid escalating tensions and a strengthened American military presence in the Middle East.

Trump made the remarks during a speech at the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace” held in Washington DC.

Local analysts said Trump implied that a potential US strike against Iran could occur within that period.

“You’ll find out in about 10 days,” Trump said, referring to Iran as “the hotspot right now.”

Trump continued, “We may have to go a step further, or maybe not. Maybe we’ll make a deal.”

“Over the years, it has proven difficult to reach a meaningful deal with Iran, and we have to make a meaningful deal. If not, bad things will happen,” Trump said.

The White House said on Wednesday (18/2) that Tehran was expected to present further details regarding its negotiating position in the coming weeks.

“Diplomacy is always his [Trump’s] first option,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, but also stated that “there are many reasons and arguments that could justify a strike against Iran.”

A Trump adviser estimated a “90 per cent chance” that a strike would occur within the coming weeks if negotiations failed, Axios reported on Tuesday (17/2), adding that a US strike could involve a large-scale operation lasting several weeks.