21 Feb 2026 - 08:22
The Kabul Tribune (KT) - Iran’s foreign minister said on Friday that a draft counterproposal could be ready within days following nuclear talks with the United States this week, even as U.S. President Donald Trump said he is considering limited military strikes against Tehran.
According to Reuters, two U.S. officials reported that American military planning regarding Iran has reached an advanced stage. Possible options include targeting specific individuals and, if authorized by Trump, pursuing leadership change in Tehran.
Trump on Thursday gave Iran 10 to 15 days to reach a deal on its nuclear program or face “really bad things,” amid a U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, which has raised fears of a broader conflict. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump said he was considering limited strikes to pressure Iran and urged Tehran to negotiate a “fair deal.”
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that indirect discussions in Geneva were held this week with Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Araqchi said both sides agreed on key “guiding principles,” but emphasized that a final agreement was not imminent.
Araqchi added that the draft counterproposal could be ready within two to three days for senior Iranian officials to review, with further U.S.-Iran talks possible within a week. He also warned that any military action would complicate diplomatic efforts.
