Tehran is preparing a counter-proposal and Trump is studying military options

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday that he expects to prepare a draft counterproposal within days following nuclear talks with the United States this week, at a time when US President Donald Trump indicated that he is considering launching limited military attacks.

Two American officials told Reuters that the US military’s planning regarding Iran has reached an advanced stage, with options including targeting individuals as part of an attack, and even seeking to change the regime in Tehran if Trump orders it.

On Thursday, Trump gave Tehran a deadline of between 10 and 15 days to reach an agreement or face “very bad things,” amid US military reinforcements in the Middle East that raise fears of the outbreak of a broader war.

When Trump was asked, on Friday, whether he was considering launching a limited attack to pressure Iran to conclude an agreement on its nuclear program, he told reporters at the White House, “I think I can say that I am considering that.”

Trump was later asked during a press conference at the White House about Iran, and he replied, “It is better for them to negotiate a fair agreement.”