US President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran to halt uranium enrichment and curb its missile programme, warning that Washington is prepared to take “very tough” action if Tehran refuses to comply.
Speaking in interviews with Israeli media and Fox Business on February 10, Trump said the United States is ready to respond with force if negotiations fail, announcing plans to deploy additional naval power to the Gulf, including a possible second aircraft carrier.
The Trump administration has outlined three key demands: a complete halt to uranium enrichment, severing ties with regional proxy groups, and limiting Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities. The US has already deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the region as part of what officials describe as a “maximum pressure” strategy.
Trump’s hardline stance has drawn criticism from some members of Congress and human rights groups, with lawmakers introducing a War Powers Resolution aimed at restricting unilateral military action.
Analysts warn that escalating military pressure alongside stalled diplomacy could heighten the risk of broader conflict, particularly if mediated talks through Oman fail to make progress in the coming days.