US President Donald Trump stated on 19/2 that while negotiations with Iran were progressing, Tehran "must reach a meaningful agreement".

"Otherwise, bad things will happen," he warned. Trump referenced US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in 6/2025, asserting that the nation's nuclear potential was "destroyed".

However, Trump hinted at further action, stating, "it might be necessary to go one step further, or perhaps not". "You will know in about 10 days," he added.

Clarifying his remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One, he stated, "I think that's enough time, 10-15 days, almost maximum".

President Donald Trump speaking to reporters on Air Force One on 19/2. Photo: AP

In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Iran asserted it would not initiate hostilities. However, Tehran declared it would respond "decisively and proportionately in self-defense" if attacked.

The letter warned, "a series of bases, facilities, and assets of hostile forces in the region will be legitimate targets". It added, "the US will bear full and direct responsibility for all unpredictable and uncontrollable consequences".

Iran's foreign minister announced on 17/2 that a round of dialogue in Geneva had established a "set of guiding principles" for negotiating and drafting an agreement with the US. However, the White House stated on 18/2 that significant disagreements remained between the two sides.

The US has an unprecedented air presence near Iran, including an aircraft carrier strike group, at least 4 E-3G Sentry early warning aircraft, dozens of F-15E, F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighters, and numerous support and refueling aircraft. This marks the largest US air deployment in the Middle East in decades.

Duc Trung (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)