Trump Gives Iran ‘10–15 Days’ for New Deal as US Builds Major Military Presence in Middle East

US President Donald Trump has given Tehran “10 to 15 days” to agree to a new deal over its nuclear programme and ballistic missile activities, warning of consequences if no agreement is reached.

The ultimatum comes as Washington has carried out what analysts describe as its largest military build-up in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq War.

Iran Responds at the UN

Following Trump’s warning, Iran sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council stating that it does not seek war but would respond with a “proportionate and decisive” reaction if attacked. Tehran warned that the United States would bear full responsibility for any escalation.

Unprecedented Air Power Deployment

Open-source intelligence and flight-tracking data indicate that the US has deployed more than 120 combat aircraft to the region in recent days. These include advanced F-35 stealth fighters, F-22 air superiority jets, as well as F-15 and F-16 aircraft. KC-135 refuelling tankers and cargo planes have also been mobilised to support the fleet.

Particularly notable is the presence of the E-3 Sentry airborne early warning and control aircraft. Military analyst Mark Cancian told Al Jazeera that movements of B-2 stealth bombers or E-3 aircraft could signal preparations for a major operation, similar to last year’s “Operation Midnight Hammer.”

Two Aircraft Carrier Strike Groups at Sea

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, has crossed the Atlantic and entered the Mediterranean Sea. It is expected to join the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group positioned near the coast of Oman.

Guided missile destroyers equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles are also on standby, capable of striking targets deep inside Iran.

Dispute Over Diego Garcia

Tensions have also surfaced between Washington and London over the use of the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly refused to authorise the base’s use for strikes on Iran, citing international legal considerations.

In response, Trump wrote on his social platform Truth Social, urging that Diego Garcia not be “given away.” He also announced that the US would withdraw support for Britain’s decision to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

Iran’s Countermeasures and Russian Support

Iran, meanwhile, has launched joint naval drills with Russia in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. During the exercises, parts of the Strait of Hormuz were temporarily closed, and special alerts were issued in southern Iran for rocket launches.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any US attack on Iran would have severe consequences.

Satellite imagery reportedly shows Iran reinforcing sensitive military facilities with underground tunnels and thick concrete barriers. Barbara Slavin of the Stimson Center told Al Jazeera that it appears the Trump administration may be preparing for direct action, potentially in coordination with Israel.

As the 10–15 day deadline approaches, the region faces heightened uncertainty, with diplomatic and military tensions rising simultaneously.