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  "path": "/partner/tehran-prepares-counterproposal-as-trump-weighs-strikes",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-20T15:34:51.000Z",
  "site": "https://nukta.com",
  "textContent": "\n\n\n\nU.S. military planning for potential action against Iran has reached an advanced stage, two American officials said Friday, as President Donald Trump signaled he is considering limited strikes to pressure Tehran over its nuclear program.\n\nAsked at the White House whether he was weighing a limited strike, Trump told reporters, “I guess I can say I am considering it.\"\n\nThe comments came as Iran’s foreign minister said a draft counterproposal following this week’s nuclear talks could be ready within days.\n\nIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in an interview earlier Friday on MS NOW that a draft counterproposal could be ready in the next two or three days for review by senior Iranian officials.\n\nHe said further talks between the United States and Iran could take place within a week or so and added that military action would complicate efforts to secure a deal.\n\n“We have not offered any suspension, and the U.S. side has not asked for zero enrichment,” Araqchi said, referring to uranium enrichment. “What we are now talking about is how to make sure that Iran’s nuclear program, including enrichment, is peaceful and would remain peaceful forever.”\n\nHe said technical and political “confidence-building measures” would be enacted in exchange for action on sanctions, but did not provide details.\n\nThe White House, responding to Araqchi’s comments, said Trump “has been clear that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons or the capacity to build them, and that they cannot enrich uranium.”\n\n### Advanced military options\n\nTwo U.S. officials told Reuters that military planning has progressed significantly. Options under consideration include targeting specific individuals and even pursuing leadership change in Tehran, if ordered by Trump.\n\nOn Thursday, Trump gave Iran a deadline of 10 to 15 days to reach a deal or face what he called “really bad things.” His warning comes amid a U.S. military buildup in the Middle East that has raised concerns about a broader regional conflict.\n\nDuring talks in Geneva this week, Araqchi said, the United States did not demand zero enrichment, and Iran did not offer to suspend enrichment.\n\nTrump has repeatedly said Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons. His administration has increased pressure on Tehran through sanctions and military deployments while leaving the door open to a negotiated agreement.\n\nWhether diplomacy can keep pace with the escalating rhetoric and military preparations remains uncertain as both sides signal readiness to continue talks, even as the possibility of force looms.",
  "title": "Tehran prepares counterproposal as Trump weighs strikes"
}