Trump Weighs Response as Iran Nears Nuclear Capability

Washington – President Donald Trump is considering a range of options, including limited military strikes, in response to Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program. This comes as negotiations for a revised nuclear deal remain stalled, with Trump setting a timeline of approximately ten days for a breakthrough.

Iran’s Nuclear Progress

Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium in recent years. As of mid-June 2025, Iran had enriched approximately 972 pounds of uranium to 60% purity [CBS News]. This is a substantial increase from the 605.8 pounds held in February 2025 and 267.9 pounds a year prior, according to estimates from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) [CBS News].

The current level of enrichment is only a short step away from the 90% purity required for weapons-grade uranium. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency estimated in May 2025 that Iran could produce enough weapons-grade uranium for a first bomb in “probably less than one week” if it chose to do so [CBS News].

Diplomatic Efforts and Military Threats

The U.S. And Iran have been engaged in indirect negotiations in recent weeks, coinciding with a significant U.S. Naval and military presence in the Middle East [CBS News]. Trump has repeatedly stated that Iran “can’t have nuclear weapons” and warned of “terrible things” happening if a “substantial” deal is not reached [CBS News], [AP News].

Trump initially ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025, but has since indicated that military action remains on the table [CBS News]. He has suggested a timeline of 10 to 15 days to reach a deal [CBS News].

The Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA)

The current situation stems from the unraveling of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), often referred to as the Iran nuclear deal [ABC News]. Negotiated over two years, the JCPOA was reached in 2015 under the Obama administration and involved the United States and other world powers. The deal aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief [ABC News].

President Trump withdrew the U.S. From the JCPOA in 2025, a move that has contributed to the current escalation of tensions and Iran’s increased enrichment of uranium [ABC News].

Regional Implications

Iran’s nuclear program is a central point of conflict with Israel, which has reportedly engaged in aerial strikes targeting Iranian facilities [ABC News].

As of February 21, 2026, the situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation if a diplomatic resolution is not reached.