'Will know in 10 days': Trump warns of 'bad things' if Iran doesn't make meaningful deal
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that "bad things will happen" if a meaningful deal isn't reached within the next 10 days. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, DC, Trump emphasized the difficulty of negotiating with Iran but expressed optimism about ongoing talks led by US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He cautioned that if progress stalls, America may escalate its response, signaling a potential turning point in the tense standoff between the two nations.
The remarks come amid rising tensions, as the US has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying aircraft carriers, fighter jets, and advanced defense systems. Satellite imagery reveals Iran reinforcing key nuclear and missile sites, including tunnels and sensitive facilities. While Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons, Trump has long advocated for a stronger and more comprehensive agreement to replace the 2015 nuclear deal, which he abandoned during his first term. Renewed efforts under former President Joe Biden failed to yield a final agreement, and recent talks in Geneva have been described as constructive but still marked by significant gaps.
Trump’s 10-day timeline highlights a potential decision point, with the possibility of either a breakthrough deal or further escalation. While he remains open to a diplomatic resolution, his warning suggests that the US is prepared for alternative options if negotiations break down. The combination of diplomatic deadlines, visible military deployments, and ongoing nuclear tensions has kept global attention focused on US-Iran relations, with implications for regional stability and international diplomacy.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026