U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will decide within the next two weeks whether the United States will join Israel’s military strikes on Iran — a move that could significantly escalate the conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking through White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump said he was weighing the possibility of renewed negotiations with Tehran. “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations… I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” the president stated.
The announcement marks a pause in the mounting speculation over direct U.S. military involvement, potentially opening space for diplomacy. However, Leavitt emphasized the gravity of the situation, warning that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon “in a couple of weeks” if it chooses to, citing intelligence assessments.
Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, maintaining that its program is strictly for peaceful purposes.
No Delay, Just Strategy — White House Says
Leavitt pushed back against suggestions that Trump was stalling. “If there’s a chance for diplomacy, the president’s always going to grab it, but he’s not afraid to use strength as well,” she said.
Despite the diplomatic tone, Trump has made it clear he supports Israel’s military actions, including strikes on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. He also claimed Iran had requested to send negotiators to the White House — a claim Tehran denies.
U.S. and Iranian officials have maintained indirect communication since Israel’s latest strike on Iran, although no formal talks are scheduled. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff will not attend an upcoming European-led meeting with Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva, the White House confirmed.
Tensions and Trust Within Trump’s Base
Trump’s two-week deadline follows repeated high-level national security meetings this week and precedes his departure to a NATO summit in the Netherlands. Notably, some key voices in his base — including Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon — have opposed further U.S. entanglement in the Middle East.
Leavitt acknowledged the concerns but called for faith in the president’s judgment: “Trust in President Trump. President Trump has incredible instincts.”
Trump’s 2016 and 2024 election victories were fueled in part by his promises to end America’s involvement in “forever wars.” Now, the world watches as he balances that pledge with growing pressure to confront Iran militarily — especially as the U.S. remains the only power with weapons capable of taking out fortified nuclear sites like Iran’s Fordo facility.
For now, the administration signals patience — but warns that time, and diplomacy, may be running short.
