Trump Considers Limited Military Action Against Iran Amid Nuclear Talks Tension

Kathmandu. US President Donald Trump stated that he is considering limited strikes against Iran, following his order to build up a large naval presence in the Middle East aimed at pressuring Iran to curb its nuclear program.

This latest warning from the US comes even as Iran's Foreign Minister indicated earlier this week that a draft proposal for an agreement with Washington would be ready in a few days following talks held in Geneva between the two sides.

Trump had stated on Thursday that Tehran would face 'unpleasant action' if a deal was not reached within 10 days, a deadline he later extended to 15 days.

When asked by a reporter on Friday whether he was thinking about limited military strikes, Trump replied, "I can only say that the US is considering it."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told US media that following the Geneva talks, both sides agreed to submit a draft of a potential agreement, and that this would be the next step.

Indicating the main US negotiator in the Middle East, he said, "I believe it will be ready in the next two or three days and will be handed over to Steve Witkoff after final confirmation by my seniors."

Araghchi also stated that US negotiators did not ask Tehran to end its nuclear enrichment program.

In an interview released by US television network MS Now on Friday, he said, "We have not proposed an end to any nuclear enrichment program, nor has the US side demanded zero enrichment."

He added, "We are currently discussing how Iran's nuclear program will remain peaceful and permanently peaceful."

His comments contradict information provided by high-ranking US officials, including Trump, who have repeatedly insisted that Iran should not be allowed to enrich uranium at any level.

Western countries accuse the Islamic Republic of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, which Tehran denies, although it insists on the right to enrichment for civilian purposes.

Iran is seeking negotiations to end sanctions that have severely impacted its economy.

Protests due to economic hardship occurred in December, which escalated into nationwide anti-government movements last month. Rights groups have confirmed that thousands lost their lives during the suppression and clashes of the protests.