Iran Urged to Reach Deal as Trump Hints at Military Strike

Washington D.C. – The White House has urged Iran to reach an agreement with the United States, as President Donald Trump once again raised the possibility of military action amid escalating tensions. The warning comes as both nations recently resumed indirect negotiations, mediated by Oman, following repeated threats from Trump of military strikes against Tehran.

Previous efforts at negotiation faltered after Israel launched a series of surprise attacks on Iranian territory in June of last year, igniting a 12-day war between the two adversarial nations. Washington became involved in the conflict, reportedly bombing nuclear sites within Iran.

“Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump and his administration,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday.

The statement followed Trump’s renewed suggestion of potential military action, coupled with a significant U.S. Military buildup in the Middle East. On Wednesday, via his Truth Social media platform, Trump initially cautioned the United Kingdom against relinquishing sovereignty over the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, then referenced the Diego Garcia airbase located within the archipelago as potentially necessary should Iran fail to reach an agreement with the U.S.

“If Iran decides not to make a deal, then the United States may need to use Diego Garcia, from the airfields located at Fairford, to eliminate potential attacks by a very unstable and dangerous regime,” Trump stated.

Multiple U.S. News outlets, including CNN and CBS News, reported on Wednesday that the U.S. Military is prepared to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, although Trump has yet to make a final decision. The Wall Street Journal, citing an unnamed U.S. Official, reported that Trump had been briefed on military options designed “to maximize damage,” including targeting “a number of Iranian political and military leaders, with the goal of overthrowing the government.”

The current diplomatic efforts, mediated by Oman, are intended to avert potential U.S. Military action. Tehran is demanding the lifting of crippling U.S. Sanctions on its economy. Iran insists that discussions be limited to the nuclear issue, while the U.S. Is pushing for a broader discussion encompassing Iran’s missile program and its support for armed groups in the Middle East.

Following a second round of talks in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that his country was “formulating” a framework for further negotiations with the U.S. Araghchi indicated that Tehran had agreed to “guiding principles” with Washington, but U.S. Vice President JD Vance countered that Iran had not yet acknowledged all of the red lines set by the U.S.

The negotiations follow a period of heightened tension and a previous round of talks that began in April 2025. That initial round, led by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, was described by both sides as constructive. However, a two-month deadline set by Trump for a deal passed without an agreement, leading to the Israeli attacks and subsequent escalation.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed on Wednesday that his country does not desire war, but also signaled a refusal to yield to Washington’s demands. “We do not want war,” he stated. “Since the day I took office, I have believed that war should be set aside. But if they try to impose their will on us, to humiliate us, and demand that we bow our heads in every way, should we accept it?”

The current situation represents a critical juncture in U.S.-Iran relations, with the potential for a significant escalation of conflict looming. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations, and Trump’s ultimate decision regarding military action, will have far-reaching consequences for the region and the wider international community. The U.S. Military has assembled sufficient air and naval resources in the Middle East to launch an attack in the coming days, though reports suggest a timeline extending beyond this weekend is also likely. Top U.S. National security advisors were reportedly informed on Wednesday that all U.S. Military forces deployed to the region should be in place by mid-March.

Iran is expected to submit a written proposal on how to resolve its standoff with the United States, following the talks in Geneva. The situation remains fluid and highly sensitive, with the potential for miscalculation and unintended consequences.