The White House warned on Wednesday, February 19th that Iran would be “wise” to do a deal with the United States as President Donald Trump once again hinted at military action that could redefine regional stability.
The two sides recently resumed indirect talks, mediated by Oman, after Trump repeatedly threatened military action against Iran over a deadly crackdown on protesters last month. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters
Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump and with his administration.
A Wednesday post on his Truth Social site saw Trump again suggest that the U.S. might strike Iran, amid a U.S. military buildup now underway in the Middle East. CNN and CBS reported Wednesday that U.S. forces will be ready to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend—with Trump yet to make a final decision.
Earlier on Wednesday, Tehran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, said Iran was “drafting” a framework for future talks with the U.S.
Iran and the U.S. held a second round of Oman-mediated negotiations on February 17th in Geneva. Araghchi said then that Tehran had agreed with Washington on “guiding principles,” but U.S. vice president JD Vance said Iran had not yet acknowledged all of Washington’s ‘red lines.’
