Geneva – Iran is poised to present a draft counterproposal to the United States within days, addressing concerns over its nuclear program, as the US simultaneously weighs limited military options in the region. The escalating tensions come amid a massive buildup of US naval forces in the Middle East, raising fears of a potential conflict, though the intent behind the military movements remains unclear.
Negotiations between the two nations, mediated by Oman and held in Geneva this week, reportedly yielded an understanding on “guiding principles,” but a breakthrough remains elusive. The situation is further complicated by increasingly assertive rhetoric from Washington, with President Donald Trump setting a deadline of 10 to 15 days for Iran to reach a deal, warning of “really bad things” if an agreement isn’t reached. This latest standoff builds on a history of strained relations, dating back to the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018.
Military Planning Advances
US military planning has reached an advanced stage, according to two US officials who spoke to Reuters. Options under consideration include targeted strikes against individuals and even efforts to instigate leadership change within Iran. The potential for military action is underscored by the repositioning of US aircraft carriers and warships in the region, a move that has heightened anxieties among international observers.
President Trump, when questioned on Friday about the possibility of a limited strike, stated, “I guess I can say I am considering” it, adding, “They better negotiate a fair deal.” This follows a pattern of escalating threats from the administration, beginning in January, coinciding with a crackdown on widespread protests within Iran.
Iran Rejects Military Solutions
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, firmly rejected the prospect of a military solution to the nuclear dispute. Speaking to MS Now, Araghchi stated, “There is no military solution for Iran’s nuclear programme. That has been tested last year. There were huge attacks on our facilities – they killed and assassinated our scientists – but they couldn’t kill our nuclear programme.” He emphasized that Iran is prepared to respond “decisively” to any military aggression, a warning echoed in a letter to the UN Security Council, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Araghchi indicated that a draft counterproposal could be ready for review by Iranian officials within “the next two or three days,” potentially paving the way for further talks within a week. During the recent discussions in Geneva, involving US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the US did not demand zero uranium enrichment, and Iran did not offer to suspend enrichment activities, according to Araghchi. The focus of current negotiations centers on ensuring Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful and remains so indefinitely.
Disputed Death Toll and International Concerns
The situation is further inflamed by conflicting reports regarding the number of deaths during the Iranian government’s suppression of protests. President Trump claimed “32,000 people were killed over a relatively short period of time,” a figure that remains unverified. The US-based group Hrana, which monitors the human rights situation in Iran, has verified 7,114 deaths and is reviewing another 11,700 cases. Iran, meanwhile, claims a total of 3,117 deaths, referring to the unrest as a “recent terrorist operation.”
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric has expressed concern over the heightened rhetoric and increased military activities in the region. The current negotiations are taking place against a backdrop of escalating tensions, including the 2025-2026 Iranian protests and the ongoing Red Sea crisis, as well as Iran’s own economic challenges.
What to Watch Next
The coming days will be critical as Iran finalizes its counterproposal and the US assesses its options. The 10-to-15-day deadline set by President Trump looms large, and the potential for miscalculation remains significant. The international community will be closely monitoring the situation, hoping to avert a wider conflict in the Middle East.
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