WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating the world has approximately 10 days to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States or face potential military action. The declaration came during the inaugural meeting of Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace in Washington D.C. On Thursday, as the administration simultaneously seeks a diplomatic resolution and demonstrates a willingness to use force. This development adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning the Middle East.
The President’s ultimatum comes as U.S. Military forces have been increasing their presence in the region, and as negotiations between American and Iranian negotiators continue in Switzerland. Trump characterized the talks as “very good” but acknowledged a historical difficulty in reaching a “meaningful deal” with Iran, warning that “otherwise bad things happen.” The stakes are high, with the potential for escalation in a region already grappling with multiple conflicts and tensions. The Board of Peace, initially envisioned as a body to address the Israel-Hamas conflict and oversee reconstruction in Gaza, appears to be expanding its scope to include broader regional security concerns.
During the meeting, Trump highlighted the involvement of Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner – his son-in-law – in the negotiations with Iran. He noted their meetings had been “some very good meetings,” but reiterated the urgency of reaching a resolution. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this sentiment, stating that Iran would be “very wise” to reach a deal with the U.S. Regarding its nuclear program, according to reports from earlier this week. BBC News reported on these statements.
However, the meeting was not without its moments of levity, or perhaps, concern. A video circulating widely on social media captured President Trump appearing to briefly fall asleep during the proceedings. The footage, which has drawn considerable attention, shows the President’s head nodding and his eyes closing while other members of the Board of Peace were speaking. The incident has sparked a flurry of commentary online, with some observers dubbing him “Sleepy Trump.”
The Board of Peace, comprised of representatives from over 45 nations, as reported by YouTube, convened to discuss not only Iran but also the ongoing situation in Gaza. Trump expressed optimism that Hamas would “be getting rid of their weapons,” despite previous statements from the group. He added, “They said ‘they’re not afraid to die,’ but they are.”
The focus on Gaza also comes amid reports that the U.S. And Israel have agreed that reconstruction efforts will not proceed until Hamas is disarmed. Haaretz reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Officials reached this understanding. The U.S. Military has reportedly informed Trump that it is prepared for a potential strike against Iran this weekend, signaling a heightened state of readiness.
The formation of the Board of Peace has also raised questions about its role in relation to the United Nations. Some observers speculate that the Trump-chaired board is intended to circumvent or sideline the UN’s traditional role in international conflict resolution. The Board’s mission appears to be evolving beyond the initial focus on Gaza, encompassing a wider range of geopolitical challenges.
The situation remains fluid, and the next 10 days are likely to be critical in determining whether a diplomatic solution with Iran can be reached. The U.S. Has previously taken military action against Iranian nuclear facilities, with strikes occurring in June of last year, according to the BBC, and the White House continues to explore potential military options. The international community is watching closely, as the outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global security.
What comes next will depend heavily on Iran’s response to the U.S. Ultimatum. The coming days will likely observe intensified diplomatic efforts, coupled with continued military posturing. The world awaits a clear indication of whether a path to de-escalation can be forged, or whether the region is on the brink of further conflict. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
