Tehran (TDI): Iran is preparing a draft counterproposal following this week’s nuclear discussions with the United States, while US President Donald Trump said he is weighing the possibility of limited military strikes if negotiations fail.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Friday that a revised proposal could be ready within days after indirect talks in Geneva involving Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner. Araqchi indicated that the two sides had identified general “guiding principles,” though he cautioned that a final agreement was not yet within reach.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Trump gave Tehran 10 to 15 days to reach what he described as a fair deal to resolve the long-running nuclear dispute, warning of “really bad things” if diplomacy stalled. Asked whether he was considering a limited strike to increase pressure, Trump responded, “I guess I can say I am considering it,” adding later, “They better negotiate a fair deal.”
According to two US officials cited by Reuters, American military planning has progressed significantly. Options under discussion reportedly include targeted strikes against specific individuals and broader actions that could extend to Iran’s leadership, should Trump authorize such measures.
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Araqchi, in an interview with MS NOW, said a draft counterproposal would likely be presented to Iran’s senior leadership within the next two or three days, with additional talks potentially resuming within a week. He stressed that military action would complicate diplomatic efforts.
Tensions have escalated in recent months following earlier US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities in June. In January, Trump renewed warnings of further action amid reports of a harsh crackdown by Iranian authorities on widespread protests.
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Addressing the unrest, Trump drew a distinction between Iran’s leadership and its citizens, claiming that “32,000 people were killed over a relatively short period of time.” The figure could not be independently verified. He also said his warnings had deterred Iranian authorities from carrying out mass executions, alleging that hundreds had been scheduled to be hanged.
