Trump Weighs Limited Strike on Iran after 10 days as Nuclear Talks Continue; UK Hesitates on Base Access
US President Donald Trump has indicated he is considering a limited military strike on Iran to increase pressure on Tehran over its nuclear programme, even as diplomatic negotiations continue in Europe.
Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested that the coming days would be decisive, saying the world would know “within about 10 days” whether a new agreement would be reached or whether the United States would move toward military action. His remarks followed signals from senior officials that a range of military options had been presented to him.
Diplomacy and Deterrence Move in Parallel
US and European governments have long expressed concern that Iran could be advancing toward nuclear weapons capability—an allegation Tehran firmly denies. Recent discussions between American and Iranian representatives in Geneva reportedly showed some progress.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is preparing a draft framework for a possible agreement and expects to deliver it to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in the coming days.
At the same time, Washington has significantly expanded its military presence in the region. Deployments reportedly include the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln, along with additional destroyers and combat aircraft.
Satellite imagery has suggested heightened defensive preparations at Iranian military facilities. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has issued statements on social media warning the United States against aggression, describing US naval deployments as provocative.
Military Deployment Expands in the Region
Alongside diplomatic talks, the United States has strengthened its military posture in the Middle East.
The deployment includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other naval and air assets positioned near strategic waterways.
Satellite observations have suggested that Iran has reinforced defensive installations around sensitive military and nuclear-related facilities.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has issued social media messages warning US forces against aggression, describing American warships in the region as potentially vulnerable targets.
UK Base Access Remains Uncertain
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is reported to have turned down a request from Donald Trump seeking permission for US military forces to use British air bases in the event of a potential preemptive operation against Iran, with concerns raised about possible international law implications, according to British media reports.
Several outlets, including The Times of London, stated that the UK government has not approved the use of RAF Fairford or the overseas territory of Diego Garcia for any prospective military action targeting Iran.
Both locations have historically functioned as important strategic facilities for US military operations conducted far from American territory. The Diego Garcia base, in particular, has served as a major staging point for long-range bomber missions.
British officials are reportedly concerned that allowing the United States to launch operations from these bases could be interpreted as complicity in a breach of international law. Under international legal norms, a state may face responsibility if it knowingly assists another country in carrying out actions deemed internationally unlawful.
Although UK authorities have not officially confirmed the reports, they have reiterated that the deployment or use of British military installations by foreign forces must comply with established legal and policy frameworks.
London has also emphasized that decisions regarding its overseas bases remain linked to broader diplomatic and strategic considerations, including the ongoing political debate surrounding the future of the Chagos Archipelago under a proposed agreement with Mauritius.
Meanwhile, Trump has criticized aspects of the Chagos arrangement, arguing that restrictions on allied military access could potentially weaken regional security positioning. The UK government has avoided commenting on operational specifics but has reaffirmed its commitment to continued diplomatic engagement with Iran.
Political and Legal Debate in the United States
Domestic opposition to potential military action has also surfaced in the US Congress.
Lawmakers including Democratic Representative Ro Khanna and Republican Representative Thomas Massie have expressed intentions to force a congressional vote under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, arguing that any large-scale military operation should require legislative approval.
Critics warn that a prolonged confrontation with Iran could endanger thousands of US troops stationed in the region and risk retaliatory attacks, given Iran’s significant military capabilities and population size.
Strategic Ambiguity and Board of Peace Role
Trump’s Board of Peace was originally presented as a mechanism to help manage the Israel–Hamas conflict and support post-war reconstruction in Gaza. Observers now question whether the body could develop into a broader diplomatic platform that might operate alongside or even challenge the role of the United Nations.
High Stakes in the Coming Days
The administration has not specified what exact military objectives would guide a potential limited strike if negotiations fail. Past US operations in Iran occurred alongside public diplomatic messaging, reflecting a strategy of maintaining pressure while keeping adversaries uncertain about timing.
With negotiations continuing, military assets expanding, and political debate intensifying, the next several days are likely to be critical in determining whether diplomacy or confrontation shapes the trajectory of US-Iran relations.
The outcome of the 10-day informal deadline may influence not only Middle East security dynamics but also global energy markets, international alliances, and geopolitical stability.
