New American Deadline for Iran... Trump Hints at Military Option
Continued progress in Iran's nuclear program according to International Atomic Energy Agency reports may push Washington and Tel Aviv to take more stringent measures
March 20, 2025, 10:09 pm

New American Deadline for Iran... Trump Hints at Military Option

ترامب \ تعبيرية \ متداول

An American official and two informed sources revealed that US President Donald Trump sent a message to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, including a two-month deadline to reach a new nuclear agreement, in a move reflecting diplomatic escalation that threatens military consequences if Tehran refuses to negotiate.

According to the sources, it remains unclear whether the deadline starts from the moment the message was delivered or from the beginning of negotiations, but if Iran rejects the American offer, the probability of an American or Israeli military strike against its nuclear facilities will increase significantly.

Trump had previously revealed in a television interview with Fox News that he sent a direct message to Khamenei, offering the possibility of direct negotiations, indicating that the United States is in the "final moments" regarding the Iranian file. He added then: "We cannot allow them to possess a nuclear weapon. Something will happen very soon. I prefer reaching a peace agreement, but if that doesn't happen, there is another option that will solve the problem."

Stern American Message and Warnings to Iran

Two informed sources described Trump's message as "stern," as it included a proposal to negotiate a new nuclear agreement but warned at the same time of the dire consequences Iran might face if it continues its nuclear program without an agreement.

According to the sources, Trump emphasized in his message that negotiations would not be open-ended without a time limit, demanding a clear agreement within just two months.

Mixed Iranian Position Between Rejection and Hinting at Negotiations

In contrast, Khamenei described Trump's initiative as a "trick," considering it aimed at portraying Iran as the party rejecting dialogue. Nevertheless, after a few hours, the Iranian mission to the United Nations issued a statement that did not rule out the possibility of talks on the nuclear file, provided they do not target dismantling Iran's entire nuclear program.

The statement indicated that "if the goal of negotiations is to address concerns about any potential weaponization of Iran's nuclear program, such discussions might be considered." However, it emphasized at the same time that "dismantling Iran's peaceful nuclear program to achieve an American political accomplishment will not be up for discussion."

Growing Concerns About Iran's Progress in Its Nuclear Program

International Atomic Energy Agency reports indicate that Iran's stockpile of 60% enriched uranium is sufficient to make six nuclear bombs if enrichment is raised to 90%, increasing international concern about the possibility of Iran possessing military nuclear capabilities.

While Tehran confirms that its nuclear program is peaceful and does not aim to produce weapons, the new American escalation may push the file to a more dangerous stage, with limited diplomatic options looming against potential military escalation.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.