Donald Trump 'considers' limited military strike if Iran doesn’t make a nuclear deal

On Friday (Feb 20), Donald Trump said he is “considering” a limited military strike on Iran if a deal is not reached. This comes after the second round of talks in Geneva, where the deal wasn’t finalised but a technical breakthrough was reached. Iran is not willing to agree to Washington’s demand of zero uranium enrichment; the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, said, "Nuclear energy is our undeniable right.”

In response to a reporter’s question about whether he is considering a limited military strike if Iran doesn't make a deal. To which the US president said, “The most I can say - I am considering it.”

Post the meeting mediated by Oman, Trump had issued warning to the Iranian regime stating that 10 to 15 days is the “absolute maximum” time for the country to reach an agreement. The comments came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva that "a new window of opportunity has opened, under which we had the second round of the negotiations with the United States in Geneva". Iran's top diplomat voiced hope, saying "a new window of opportunity" seen in fresh nuclear talks with Washington would lead to a lasting solution to the two countries' standoff.

And as the second round was underway, Supreme leader Ali Khamenei has highlighted America’s rhetoric; he said “The US President keeps saying that they have the strongest military force in the world.” This comment comes after Trump’s threats that Iran will have to face consequences if the deal doesn’t fall through.

To which Khamenei responded, “The strongest military force in the world may at times be struck so hard that it cannot get up again. They keep saying we have sent aircraft carriers toward Iran. Very well… an aircraft carrier is indeed a dangerous asset, but more dangerous than the carrier is the weapon that can send this carrier to the bottom of the sea.”