Washington is buzzing with speculation as President Donald Trump drops major hints about a potential military strike on Iran within the next 10 to 15 days. Speaking at recent events, Trump suggested that the US might launch limited attacks to force Tehran back to the nuclear negotiating table on America’s terms.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the White House is weighing targeted strikes on select military or government sites in Iran. The goal? Apply pressure without sparking a full-scale war. If Iran refuses to halt its nuclear enrichment activities, the US could escalate with additional operations.
Trump himself has been cryptic but pointed. ‘We’ll make a deal, or we’ll make a deal somehow,’ he said Thursday. In another appearance, he added, ‘Maybe we’ll make a deal. Maybe not. Americans might know in the next 10 days.’ He later extended that timeline to a maximum of 15 days.
Military movements underscore the tension. The Pentagon is bolstering forces in the Middle East, with the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and accompanying warships heading to the region. Officials expect full deployment by mid-March.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei fired back with stark warnings, boasting that Iranian forces could sink a US carrier and deliver blows from which America wouldn’t recover. ‘A warship is dangerous military hardware, but more dangerous is the weapon that can send it to the ocean’s depths,’ he declared.
Diplomatic channels remain open, albeit strained. White House officials note some progress in talks but significant gaps persist, especially on nuclear issues. Iran insists its uranium enrichment is for peaceful civilian purposes only.
This escalation traces back to Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, which has fueled ongoing skirmishes and raised fears of broader conflict in the volatile Middle East. As troops mobilize and rhetoric heats up, the world watches closely for Washington’s next move.