US President Donald Trump has reportedly set a two-month deadline for Iran to negotiate a new agreement on its nuclear program. This ultimatum comes after Trump’s first-term decision to withdraw the US from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and reimpose harsh sanctions on Tehran.
According to US media outlets such as CNN and Axios, Trump’s administration is prepared to pursue alternative measures if diplomatic efforts fail.
The move follows Trump’s confirmation of a letter sent to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier this month, proposing renewed nuclear talks. Delivered by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, the letter warned of significant consequences if Iran continues its nuclear pursuits.
The deadline for negotiations reportedly expires in two months, but it is unclear whether this countdown began with the letter’s delivery or the start of talks.
Trump’s approach has sparked mixed reactions. In a recent interview with Fox News, he highlighted two possible outcomes for handling Iran: diplomacy or military action. Trump emphasized his preference for negotiation, although he made it clear that failure to reach a deal could lead to a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Despite this, Iranian officials have been vocal in rejecting the US’s approach, with Khamenei accusing Washington of attempting to impose its will rather than seeking a fair resolution.
In response to US withdrawal from the JCPOA, Iran has progressively reduced its compliance, ramping up uranium enrichment levels. The International Atomic Energy Agency recently expressed concern over Iran’s accelerated enrichment, with uranium nearing 60% purity—significantly higher than the deal’s agreed limit. Tehran has consistently denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons, insisting that its nuclear program is peaceful.
As the two-month deadline looms, the international community watches closely, anticipating how the US and Iran will navigate this critical moment in their fraught relationship.
