White House warns Iran to strike deal as Trump again floats military option

WASHINGTON – 19 February 2026: The White House urged Iran to reach an agreement with the United States, warning it would be “wise” to do so as President Donald Trump again raised the possibility of military action despite renewed nuclear talks between both sides.

“Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump and with his administration,” the AFP reported, citing White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as saying.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump suggested the United States could strike Iran amid a US military buildup in the Middle East.

He cautioned Britain against relinquishing sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, saying the strategic Diego Garcia airbase could be needed if Iran fails to reach an agreement.

Earlier, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was drafting a framework for future negotiations.

Iran and the United States held two rounds of indirect, Oman-mediated talks over the past days, with discussions focused on reaching an agreement on Iran's nuclear program.

Araghchi said both sides had agreed on “guiding principles,” but US Vice President JD Vance indicated Iran has yet to accept all of Washington’s red lines.