Trump warns of 'bad things' if Iran doesn't make a deal, as second U.S. carrier nears Mideast

"President Donald Trump said Thursday he believes 10 to 15 days is "enough time" for Iran to reach a deal. But the talks have been deadlocked for years, and Iran has refused to discuss wider U.S. and Israeli demands that it scale back its missile program and sever ties to armed groups. Indirect talks held in recent weeks made little visible progress, and one or both sides could be buying time for final war preparations."

"In a letter to the U.N. Security Council on Thursday, Amir Saeid Iravani, the Iranian ambassador to the U.N., said that while Iran does not seek "tension or war and will not initiate a war," any U.S. aggression will be responded to "decisively and proportionately." "In such circumstances, all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets in the context of Iran's defensive response," Iravani said."

"Earlier this week, Iran conducted a drill that involved live-fire in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow opening of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of the world's traded oil passes. Tensions are also rising inside Iran, as mourners hold ceremonies honoring slain protesters 40 days after their killing by security forces. Some gatherings have seen anti-government chants despite threats from authorities."

Iran held annual military drills with Russia as a second American aircraft carrier approached the Middle East. Both the United States and Iran signaled readiness for war if nuclear talks collapse. President Donald Trump said he believes 10 to 15 days is "enough time" for Iran to reach a deal. Talks have been deadlocked for years, and Iran refused to discuss broader U.S. and Israeli demands on missiles and ties to armed groups. Indirect talks made little visible progress and may be delaying final war preparations. Iran remains vulnerable after strikes on its nuclear sites and suppressed domestic protests. Tehran warned that any U.S. aggression would be met decisively and that regional hostile bases and assets could be legitimate targets.

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