Washington, Feb 20, (dpa/GNA) – President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he will decide within the next 10 to 15 days, whether or not to strike Iran, as tensions escalate between the long-time adversaries.
Speaking to journalists on a flight on Air Force One, he said 10 to 15 days would be sufficient. That is “pretty much the maximum.”
“We’re either going to get a deal or it’s going to be unfortunate for them,” he said.
Earlier in Washington, Trump had warned the leadership in Iran during his speech at the first meeting of his Board of Peace.
He said: “We may have to take it a step further, or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal with Tehran. You are going to be finding out over the next, probably, 10 days.”
Trump said Iran “cannot continue to threaten the stability of the entire region, and they must make a deal,” adding that “bad things” would happen if there is no meaningful nuclear agreement.
Washington has deployed additional naval and air force assets to the region to increase pressure on Tehran, including two aircraft carriers.
The president said the US had held “good” talks with Iran, including this week in Geneva, but reiterated that Iran must be prevented from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The Trump administration has said it is seeking significant curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Tehran, which vehemently denies it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, has signalled it is willing to limit its civilian nuclear programme in return for the US lifting harsh economic sanctions.
However, Iran has said it will not negotiate over other issues brought up by Washington, such as reducing its missile arsenal or ending support for militant groups.
Trump has offered varying justifications for a potential attack, from responding to the government’s recent brutal crackdown on protesters, to inflicting damage on its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
GNA