Trump Sets 10-Day Deadline for Iran Amid Iranian Women's Uprising and Escalating Military Tensions

In just 10 days, Iran will face a historic decision: accept Trump’s demands or enter into an open confrontation. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have intensified as the Iranian women’s movement spreads nationwide, adding pressure on Tehran from both inside and outside.

Difficult Negotiations Amid Fundamental Gaps

In mid-February, indirect talks in Switzerland painted a bleak picture. While Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced “good progress” and said Iran and the U.S. reached an understanding on guiding principles, the U.S. viewed the situation quite differently.

Vice President J.D. Vance acknowledged progress but warned Iran remains steadfast in rejecting key U.S. demands. The U.S. is pursuing three main goals:

• Fully dismantle Iran’s nuclear program
• Halt development of ballistic missiles
• End support for proxy groups in the region

These demands are not just technical issues; they represent deep security concerns that both sides are reluctant to concede.

Washington Boosts Military Presence Amid Hardline Signals

Negotiations have almost been overshadowed by the U.S. continuously ramping up military forces in the Middle East. Transport planes, fighter jets, refueling aircraft, and an aircraft carrier have been deployed. Reports suggest a second aircraft carrier may be on its way, indicating that Washington is preparing for potential military action.

This scale of military mobilization signals a significant shift in U.S. strategy, although officials have yet to publicly confirm any specific operational plans.

Iran Ready to Confront: From Exercises to Military Warnings

Iran has not been silent. Tehran responded with a series of displays of strength: joint military drills with Russia, and even temporarily closing the Strait of Hormuz during live-fire exercises. These moves are not accidental.

In a statement to the United Nations, Iran declared that if attacked, they would consider all U.S. regional bases and assets as “legitimate targets.” While Tehran insists it does not seek war, it is clearly preparing for confrontation.

Iranian Women’s Movement Expands – From Mahsa Amini to January

However, internal developments in Iran may be more significant than military exercises. In January, protests sparked by economic hardships quickly grew into a larger movement. Echoing the 2022 “Women, Life, Freedom” protests, revived after the death of Mahsa Amini—a young Kurdish woman detained and killed by morality police—women in Iran are once again leading the charge. Human rights groups report thousands have been killed or imprisoned during nationwide crackdowns, including widespread internet shutdowns. Pro-democracy protests supporting Iranian demonstrators have spread worldwide, with large crowds in Munich attending Europe’s annual security conference. Many protesters there displayed the pre-1979 Iranian flag, a powerful symbol of opposition to the current religious regime.

This internal unrest creates a complex cycle: Iranian women oppose repression from their government, while international pressure from Washington could strengthen the regime’s grip if they have reasons to tighten control.

Nationalism vs. Diplomacy: Opposing Voices

Opposition figures, including exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, argue that a deal between the U.S. and Iran would only prolong the Islamic Republic’s power and fail to address the regime change that Iranian women and millions seek. They suggest traditional diplomacy might serve to protect the regime rather than liberate it.

Meanwhile, diplomats believe that a nuclear agreement could be the only feasible first step to de-escalate tensions and pave the way for longer-term reforms later on.

10 Days to Decide: Diplomacy or War?

With just ten days remaining, the coming days will determine whether diplomatic efforts prevail or tensions escalate into open conflict. Although both sides maintain communication channels, the combination of hardline stances from Washington and Tehran, along with increasing regional instability, makes a quick breakthrough unlikely.

Whatever the outcome—whether through negotiations or direct confrontation—this moment marks a critical juncture not only for U.S.-Iran relations but also for stability across the Middle East. Iranian women, who have been at the forefront of the pro-democracy movement, now face the prospect of their peninsula being drawn into an international crisis. It is yet another obstacle on their long path toward freedom.