Trump's ultimatum to Iran: Make a deal now or bad things will happen

US President Donald Trump on Thursday sharpened his warning to Iran, saying Tehran must agree to a meaningful nuclear deal or "bad things will happen", even as indirect negotiations continue in Switzerland amid heightened military tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington, Trump stressed that diplomacy remains open but not indefinite.

"We have to make a meaningful deal with Iran," he said. "Good talks are being had. It’s proven to be, over the years, not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran. We have to make a meaningful deal, otherwise bad things happen".

"Iran must make a deal or bad things will happen," he added and urged Tehran to "join us on a path to peace".

The Republican leader's remarks come as US and Iranian officials pursue indirect talks in Geneva aimed at easing a deepening nuclear



standoff.

American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have been engaging, through mediators, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in an effort to prevent the crisis from spiralling into open confrontation.

The US is pressing Iran to dismantle or significantly curb its nuclear programme, arguing that Tehran’s enrichment activities and stockpiles pose a proliferation risk.

Iran has repeatedly denied seeking a nuclear weapon and insists its programme is for civilian energy and research purposes. Tehran has also rejected demands to fully abandon enrichment, describing it as a sovereign right.

Despite the hardened rhetoric, officials on both sides have signalled that discussions remain active. A senior US official said Iran is expected to submit a written proposal outlining how it plans to address American concerns. That document could determine whether negotiations move toward a framework agreement or stall.