President Donald Trump is expected to decide within a fortnight whether the United States will intervene in the escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, the White House confirmed.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt relayed a message from Trump during a press briefing: “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.”
Leavitt emphasized the administration’s preference for a diplomatic resolution while reaffirming the president’s determination to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. “The president is always interested in a diplomatic solution …he is a peacemaker in chief. He is the peace through strength president. And so if there’s a chance for diplomacy, the president’s always going to grab it,” she said. “But he’s not afraid to use strength as well I will add.”
Asked whether the president would seek congressional approval for any potential military action, Leavitt declined to comment. She reiterated, however, that the U.S. assessment remains unchanged regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating that Tehran is now closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The developments come as hostilities intensify in the region. On Thursday, Israel carried out airstrikes targeting nuclear facilities in Iran. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel, following an earlier attack that struck an Israeli hospital. The ongoing air conflict between the two countries, now entering its second week, shows no signs of de-escalation.
Leavitt noted that Trump had been fully briefed on the Israeli military operation and issued a stern warning to Tehran. Should Iran continue advancing its nuclear program, she said, it would face “grave consequences.”
Iran’s leadership is currently navigating its most significant national security crisis since the 1979 revolution, weighing a broader response to the current conflict.
Meanwhile, Trump has sent mixed signals about U.S. involvement, alternating between calls for diplomacy and threats of military action. On Wednesday, he said, “nobody knew” what course he would take. The day before, he posted on social media about the possibility of assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and demanded Iran’s unconditional surrender.
Diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway behind the scenes. According to three diplomats, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi have engaged in multiple phone conversations since the onset of Israeli strikes last week.
