Iran deal prospects will be clear within 10 days, Trump says as military buildup grows

Donald Trump stated that the prospects of a nuclear deal with Iran will become clear within approximately 10 days. This announcement coincides with a growing U.S. military presence in the Middle East, including the impending arrival of a second carrier strike group led by the USS Gerald R Ford, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln already in the Arabian Sea. U.S. envoys met with Iranian officials in Geneva to discuss Iran's nuclear enrichment program, with Iran promising a response within two weeks regarding U.S. demands to abandon enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. The U.S. military buildup raises concerns about potential military action, although experts debate the potential effectiveness of such action. The two carrier strike groups could generate a high intensity of strike sorties.

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged Polish citizens in Iran to evacuate immediately on Thursday, citing a "very real" possibility of conflict. Tusk warned that evacuation may become impossible within hours due to escalating tensions. The warning comes as the U.S. is bolstering its military presence in the Middle East, with the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group moving to the region to join the USS Abraham Lincoln. These deployments occur amidst rising concerns over Iran's nuclear program. The U.S. Central Command recently showcased F/A-18 Super Hornets operating from the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea.

The United States is deploying a significant military force to the Middle East, including aircraft carriers and fighter jets, amid ongoing tensions with Iran over its nuclear program. President Trump has warned Iran to reach a deal regarding its nuclear ambitions, suggesting a possible 10-day timeframe for action. This military build-up is the largest since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, though ground troops are unlikely. The deployment provides President Trump with the option for a sustained military campaign against Iran, potentially in cooperation with Israel. The situation raises concerns about whether Iran can meet Trump's demands and whether the military presence will compel the US to take action.

Satellite images reveal Iran has been repairing and fortifying key military and nuclear sites, some reportedly damaged in prior attacks. These activities include constructing a concrete shield over a new facility at a sensitive military site, burying tunnel entrances at a nuclear site, and reinforcing missile bases. The developments occur amid heightened tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel. The US is currently seeking a deal with Iran regarding its nuclear program while simultaneously threatening military action if negotiations fail. The US has also increased its military presence in the Middle East, with 13 warships currently stationed there.

Multiple news outlets report that the US military is prepared for potential strikes against Iran, possibly as early as this weekend, but former President Trump has not yet made a final decision. The reports indicate that sufficient air and naval resources have been assembled in the Middle East. National security advisors were told that all US military forces deployed to the region should be in place by mid-March. Iran is expected to submit a written proposal regarding its nuclear program following talks with the US in Geneva. While the White House press secretary stated that diplomacy is the president's first option, she also noted that the US and Iran are still far apart on some issues.

Amidst rising tensions and a second round of indirect nuclear talks in February 2026, the White House, under President Trump, has issued veiled threats to Iran. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated Iran would be "wise" to make a deal with the US, coinciding with a surge of US military assets to the Middle East. While Iranian officials claimed agreement on "guiding principles" in the talks, US Vice President JD Vance indicated unresolved "red lines." Trump also suggested potential military action, referencing the possible use of Diego Garcia and Fairford airfields should Iran not agree to a deal, citing potential attacks on the UK and other allies. The US continues to pressure Iran as negotiations remain uncertain.