Iran's foreign minister said he expected to have a draft counterproposal ready within days following nuclear talks with the United States this week, while US President Donald Trump said he was considering limited military strikes.

Two US officials said military planning on ⁠Iran had reached an advanced stage, with options including targeting individuals as part of an attack and even pursuing leadership change in Tehran, if ordered by Trump.

Trump on Thursday gave Tehran a deadline of 10 to 15 days to make a deal to resolve their longstanding nuclear dispute or face "really bad things" amid a US military buildup in the Middle East that has fuelled fears of a wider war.

Asked on Friday if he was considering a limited strike to pressure Iran into a deal, Trump said at the White House: "I guess I can say I am considering" it. Asked later about Iran, Trump added: "They better negotiate a fair deal."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said after indirect discussions in Geneva this week with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner an understanding had been reached on main "guiding principles" but that did not mean a deal was imminent.

Araqchi said he had a draft counterproposal that could ⁠be ready in the next two or three days for top Iranian officials to review, with more bilateral talks possible in a week or so.

Military action would complicate efforts to reach a deal, he added. (Reuters)



Edited by Thomas McAlinden