US President Donald Trump said clarity on a potential deal with Iran will emerge within the next 10 days, warning of possible escalation if talks fail. Speaking at the inaugural Board of Peace summit in Washington, Trump urged Tehran to seize the opportunity for a “meaningful agreement” while stressing consequences if Iran refuses. He described Iran as “a hotspot right now,” noting that diplomatic channels remain active through envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Trump highlighted the progress of Geneva talks, calling the relationship between US and Iranian representatives “solid” and emphasizing that negotiations are moving forward. Vice President JD Vance described the discussions as partially productive but noted Iran had not yet agreed to US “red lines.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the atmosphere was “more constructive,” signaling cautious optimism.
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The president stressed the importance of a meaningful deal, saying past efforts had shown that agreements with Iran are “not easy” but necessary to prevent instability. He warned that without a deal, “bad things happen” and called on Iran to commit to a path that ensures regional security. Trump reiterated that Iran cannot continue threatening Middle East stability.
Military preparations accompany diplomacy, with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group already deployed to the Gulf, and the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier and additional fighter jets en route. These deployments underline Washington’s readiness to respond if Iran refuses cooperation or violates international expectations.
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Trump concluded that Iran’s choice will determine the course of action: cooperation would be welcomed, while refusal could trigger “a very different path,” stressing urgency and high stakes for regional peace.