Trump Delivers 10-Day Ultimatum to Iran, Warns of Bombing Campaign Over Peace Deal
US President Donald Trump has issued a dramatic 10-day ultimatum to Iran, explicitly threatening that the United States could launch bombing attacks if a substantive peace agreement is not finalized within that timeframe. The warning was delivered during the inaugural meeting of the newly established Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, where Trump paradoxically lamented the exorbitant costs associated with warfare while simultaneously brandishing the prospect of military escalation.
Contradictory Remarks on Peace and War
In his address, President Trump boasted about his administration's efforts to bring 'peace to the Middle East,' yet immediately followed this by cautioning that 'bad things [will] happen' should Iran fail to engage in a meaningful peace deal. 'We may have to take it a step further, or we may not. Maybe we're going to make a deal...' Trump stated, referencing the ongoing breakdowns in nuclear negotiations. He ominously added, 'You're going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days,' leaving the international community on edge regarding potential US actions.
Military Buildup and Stalled Negotiations
This high-stakes ultimatum comes against a backdrop of a significant US military buildup in the Middle East over recent weeks. The United States has strategically deployed additional aircraft carriers, fighter jets, submarines, and various other military assets to the region, signaling a readiness for potential conflict. Concurrently, nuclear talks with Iran have stalled following the latest round of negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, where Iranian representatives requested more time without achieving any substantial breakthrough.
Reports from intelligence sources indicate that potential US targets in Iran, should military action be authorized, could include critical infrastructure such as nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and key military installations. This escalation underscores the volatile nature of current US-Iran relations.
Trump's Mixed Messaging on Diplomacy
Despite the threatening rhetoric, President Trump offered a glimmer of diplomatic hope, remarking, 'Iran is a hot spot right now,' but noting, 'Good talks are being had.' He elaborated on the challenges of negotiating with Iran, stating, 'It's proven to be over the years not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran – we have to make a meaningful deal otherwise bad things happen.' This juxtaposition of conciliatory language with explicit threats highlights the administration's complex and often contradictory approach to foreign policy.
Announcement of the Board of Peace
During the same event, President Trump announced the creation of the Board of Peace, claiming it as part of his broader initiative to end global conflicts. He asserted that he had halted eight wars during his tenure, even as unconfirmed reports surfaced suggesting he could authorize a military strike on Iran 'as soon as this weekend.' Trump reflected on the concept of peace, stating, 'An easy word to say but a hard word to produce – peace,' during the inaugural meeting, which saw nearly 50 world leaders participating either in-person or virtually.
He further emphasized the financial aspects of peacekeeping, noting that the US and other board member nations are 'very generous with money' to foster peace and resolve ongoing conflicts. 'There's nothing less expensive than peace,' Trump argued. 'You know, when you go to war, it costs you 100 times what it costs to make peace.' In a more personal aside, he commented on the dynamics among attendees, saying, 'A lot of people in this room hate each other – you know, sort of natural, I guess. But we're bringing love back into the room like the old days.'
The situation remains highly fluid, with the international community closely monitoring developments over the next ten days as the deadline for Iran's response approaches, potentially determining the course of US military strategy in the region.
