‘Two Or Three Days, Maybe Early Next Week’: Trump Signals Timeline For Possible Fresh Iran Strikes

Last Updated:May 20, 2026, 01:56 IST

Trump warns he may order new strikes on Iran within days if nuclear talks fail, says he paused an attack after Gulf leaders urged diplomacy, tensions keep oil markets volatile.

US President Donald Trump file photo. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

US President Donald Trump has signalled that fresh military action against Iran could come within days if ongoing negotiations fail, even as he claims diplomatic efforts are still underway to reach an agreement over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested a decision on renewed strikes could be made in “two or three days… maybe Friday or Saturday, early next week,” indicating Iran has only a limited window to reach a deal with Washington.

The remarks come a day after Trump said he had put a planned military attack on Iran on hold following requests from leaders in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who argued that ongoing negotiations could produce an acceptable agreement.

Trump claimed he was “an hour away” from approving renewed military action but decided to delay the move to give diplomacy another chance. “We were all set to go,” he said, while adding that US forces remain prepared for a large-scale assault if talks collapse.

According to Trump, any future agreement must ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons, a demand he has repeatedly framed as non-negotiable. He has also warned that time is running out for Tehran to accept terms.

The uncertainty has intensified concerns over stability in West Asia, particularly as tensions around Iran’s nuclear programme and maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz continue to impact global energy markets. Oil prices have remained volatile amid fears of further escalation.

Despite Trump’s comments, there has been no official confirmation of a timeline for military action, and negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain unresolved.

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