Iran Prepares Nuclear Counterproposal as Trump Warns of Military Action
Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, has announced that a draft counterproposal on nuclear issues could be ready for internal review within days, following indirect discussions with US envoys. This development comes as President Donald Trump stated he is considering limited military strikes against Iran, escalating tensions in the region.
US Military Buildup and Advanced Planning
Two US officials revealed to Reuters that military planning on Iran has reached an advanced stage, with options including targeted attacks on individuals and even pursuing leadership change in Tehran, if ordered by Trump. The US president issued a deadline of 10 to 15 days for Iran to negotiate a deal to resolve the nuclear dispute, warning of "really bad things" if no agreement is reached.
Trump emphasized at a White House press conference, "They better negotiate a fair deal," when asked about potential strikes. He claimed his threats had prevented mass hangings in Iran, citing unverified figures of 32,000 deaths during recent protests, though Iranian officials dispute this number.
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Concerns
Araqchi noted that while an understanding on guiding principles was reached in Geneva talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, a deal is not imminent. He stressed that military action would complicate diplomatic efforts, but expressed optimism that a deal could be achieved "in a very short period of time."
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reiterated concerns about heightened rhetoric and increased military activities in the Middle East, calling for de-escalation. Araqchi clarified that discussions focus on ensuring Iran's nuclear program remains peaceful, with confidence-building measures in exchange for sanctions relief.
Human Rights and Verification Issues
The US-based group Hrana reported 7,114 verified deaths in Iran, with another 11,700 under review, contrasting with Iranian government claims of 3,117 fatalities. Araqchi challenged critics to provide evidence against their data, posted on social media platform X.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, with fears of a wider war growing amid the US military buildup in the Arabian Sea and ongoing nuclear negotiations.
