Politics

President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran on Thursday, stating that it needs to reach a deal regarding its nuclear program, or “really bad things” will occur. He set a deadline of 10 to 15 days for this agreement. This warning came as Tehran threatened to retaliate against U.S. military bases in the area if they were attacked. With a significant U.S. military presence being built up in the Middle East, concerns about a broader conflict are rising. Trump mentioned that negotiations with Iran to resolve the current tensions were progressing, but he insisted that Tehran must come to a “meaningful” agreement. He said, “Otherwise bad things happen,” during the first meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington. Trump referred to the U.S. airstrikes conducted in June, claiming that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been “decimated.” He added, “We may have to take it a step further or we may not.” He indicated that more information would come in the next 10 days. When asked to clarify later while on Air Force One, he stated, “I would think that would be enough time, 10, 15 days, pretty much maximum.” However, he did not provide specific details, reiterating the warning of “really bad things” and emphasizing that Iran must reach a deal. In response, Iran sent a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stating that it would not initiate any conflict. However, the letter also warned that if Iran faced military aggression, it would respond decisively and proportionately in self-defense. It stated, “All bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets.” The letter concluded by saying, “The United States would bear full and direct responsibility for any unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences.”