Trump Signals Possible Action Against Iran Amid Talks and Military Buildup

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump stated that the United States would decide on potential military action against Iran within the next ten days. For months, Trump has threatened intervention against the Iranian regime, supporting the large protests from January and aiming to halt Iran's nuclear program. Recently, the US has gathered significant military forces around Iran but also initiated negotiations to resolve the tension through a possible agreement. Trump hinted at a decisive move by saying the US might need to take a step forward, an implication that military action could be on the table. However, he communicated this rather vaguely, adding that an agreement between the US and Iran might still be possible. The ten-day timeframe should not be interpreted literally; Trump often uses such timelines as a way to buy time or postpone issues. This tactic was also evident last June when he said he would decide on an attack against Iran within two weeks, only to launch strikes just two days later, targeting multiple sites connected to the Iranian nuclear program. Following that attack, Trump claimed significant damage to the program, although media outlets were quick to question the efficacy of those claims. Reports suggest that, in reality, the US could be ready to act as soon as this weekend. Trump made these comments in Washington after the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council, an international body designed to oversee compliance with his Gaza reconstruction plan. During this speech, he directed significant threats toward Iran, asserting it would be in their best interest to strike a deal to avoid conflict. The United States has put forth several demands on Iran, insisting they dismantle their nuclear program, eliminate their stockpiles of enriched uranium, limit the quantity and range of their ballistic missiles, and cease support for various regional militias, particularly Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthi groups in Yemen. Thus far, negotiations have yielded limited results. After the Peace Council meeting, Trump also made a few announcements regarding the Gaza reconstruction efforts, stating that the US would allocate $10 billion for rebuilding. He noted that several nations have expressed willingness to contribute military and police forces towards an International Stabilization Force, which is expected to maintain security in Gaza and enforce curfews. Countries reportedly willing to participate include Indonesia, Morocco, Albania, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, Egypt, and Jordan. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2