President Donald Trump signaled openness to limited military action against Iran even as its foreign minister claimed a nuclear agreement could be finalized within days. In Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Tehran would prepare a draft deal for Washington “in the next two to three days,” though he emphasized negotiations must focus solely on ensuring Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful. Trump, however, insisted Iran cannot enrich uranium or develop weapons, a stance contradicted by Araghchi’s remarks about excluding zero enrichment demands from talks.

The remarks follow Trump’s deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to the Mediterranean, underscoring heightened military readiness. U.S. officials have long suspected Iran’s nuclear activities mask weaponization ambitions, while Tehran insists its program is civilian. Analysts note the talks are stalled after Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, which Iran has since leveraged to demand concessions on missile programs and regional alliances.

Congressional pushback emerged as Senator Tim Kaine introduced a war powers resolution requiring approval for strikes, though bipartisan efforts to curb presidential authority have historically failed. Iran’s Foreign Minister warned that any kinetic action would be treated as an “existential threat,” with experts suggesting Tehran could withstand limited strikes while maintaining power.

The impasse highlights enduring mistrust: Trump claims Iran’s facilities were “obliterated” by recent strikes, though damage assessments remain unclear due to Iranian restrictions on inspections. With both sides preparing for potential conflict, the path to diplomacy remains fraught with competing narratives and strategic posturing.