• Trump says Iran has ‘10 days’ to strike a deal or face consequences
• Russia urges restraint; Germany relocates troops from Iraq; Poland advises citizens to leave Iran
WASHINGTON: Tensions are rising in the Middle East as the United States strengthens its military presence near Iran, deploying additional warplanes and aircraft carriers amid the possibility of military action.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday renewed his warning to Tehran, saying it had roughly 10 days to reach an agreement with Washington or risk severe consequences. “Bad things will happen,” he cautioned.
US media outlets reported that the military could be prepared to launch strikes as early as this weekend, although Trump has not yet made a final decision. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said there were “many reasons and arguments” supporting potential action, adding that Iran would be “very wise” to negotiate.
Trump’s remarks followed a warning from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said Iran would face an unimaginable response if it attacked Israel.
Reports in The Wall Street Journal said Trump had been briefed on a range of military options, including plans aimed at inflicting maximum damage on Iran’s leadership and infrastructure. US officials were quoted as saying the options included targeting senior political and military figures.
The United States has reinforced its regional presence with warships, fighter aircraft and refuelling planes. A second aircraft carrier has been ordered to the region, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln, which, along with nearly 80 aircraft, was reported to be operating about 700 kilometres off Iran’s coast.
Speaking at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting, Trump also referenced US B-2 bombers, praising their past role in striking Iran’s nuclear facilities and claiming the action had contributed to regional stability.
Iran has responded by showcasing its own military readiness. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran also carried out joint naval drills with Russia in the Gulf of Oman. Iranian state media aired footage of special forces deployed via helicopters and naval vessels.
As tensions mount, Poland has urged its citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately. Germany has relocated dozens of troops from its base in Erbil, in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, reducing its presence to essential personnel due to security concerns.
Russia has called for de-escalation. A Kremlin spokesperson said Moscow was witnessing an “unprecedented escalation” but expressed hope that diplomacy and negotiations would prevail in resolving the crisis.