White House Urges Iran: 'Make a Deal' or Face Potential US Strikes Amid Military Buildup

 

The Trump administration has issued a pointed warning to Iran, stating that Tehran would be "very wise" to negotiate a new agreement on its nuclear program, as President Donald Trump renewed hints of possible military action and US forces continue a significant buildup in the Middle East.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered the message during a briefing on Wednesday, emphasizing diplomacy as the preferred path while underscoring the risks of inaction. "Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump and with his administration," Leavitt told reporters. She described ongoing indirect talks—mediated by Oman and recently held in Geneva—as an opportunity for resolution, but noted that the two sides remain "very far apart" on key issues, including uranium enrichment and ballistic missiles.

The comments follow President Trump's Truth Social post on Wednesday, where he suggested the US might need to act decisively if no deal is reached. Trump referenced potential use of bases in the Indian Ocean (such as in the Chagos Islands) to counter what he called a "highly unstable and dangerous regime." He has repeatedly demanded that Iran abandon its nuclear ambitions entirely, including halting all uranium enrichment, in exchange for sanctions relief and normalized relations.

Reports from multiple sources, including CNN, CBS News, and The New York Times, indicate that the US military has positioned air and naval assets in the region sufficient for strikes as early as this weekend, though President Trump has not yet made a final decision. The buildup includes aircraft carriers, submarines, and additional personnel relocations, amid concerns over Iranian retaliation against US forces or allies like Israel.

This escalation comes against the backdrop of renewed indirect negotiations. A second round of talks in Geneva earlier this week was described by mediators as showing "good progress" in identifying common goals, with Iran agreeing to return in two weeks with fresh proposals. However, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei rejected US demands to halt enrichment and limit missiles in a February 17 speech, insisting on Iran's "right" to a nuclear industry and deterrent capabilities.

The current standoff echoes events from mid-2025, when failed talks led to Israeli strikes on Iran in June, followed by brief US involvement in bombing Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day conflict. Trump has since described those actions as having "totally obliterated" Iran's nuclear facilities, though recent diplomacy suggests Tehran has rebuilt or retained some capabilities.

Vice President JD Vance and other officials have stressed that while diplomacy remains the "first option," the administration is prepared for "another option" if red lines are crossed. Iran, meanwhile, has announced joint naval drills with Russia in the Sea of Oman, signaling deterrence against "unilateral action."

Administration insiders report fluid discussions, with Trump consulting advisers and weighing escalation risks. No immediate strike appears imminent, but the combination of military readiness and public threats keeps tensions high.

The White House continues to frame the situation as a choice for Iran: negotiate a "fair, equitable deal" with no path to nuclear weapons, or face stronger consequences. As talks resume in the coming weeks, the coming days could prove decisive in whether diplomacy prevails or the region edges closer to renewed conflict.