U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision within the next two weeks on whether the United States will enter the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, according to the White House.
Trump to Decide on Iran Strike Within Two Weeks
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed to reporters that the president is weighing diplomatic options before committing to any military action.
“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 quoted Trump as saying.
Leavitt emphasized Trump’s preference for diplomacy but did not rule out a forceful response if required.
“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. But he’s not afraid to use strength as well,” she said.
While the White House maintains that no final decision has been made, multiple reports have suggested that plans for potential strikes are under consideration. The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported that Trump had approved a strike but was undecided on timing, a claim Trump rejected on Truth Social:
“The Wall Street Journal has No Idea what my thoughts are concerning Iran!”
Meanwhile, Iran’s deputy foreign minister has issued a strong warning against U.S. involvement, telling the BBC that such a move would bring “hell” to the region and declaring, “This is not America’s war.”
Diplomatic Channels Still Active
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing behind the scenes. According to Reuters, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has held multiple phone conversations with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi since the conflict escalated. Iran is also set to hold talks in Geneva with European leaders, including the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas.
The Biden administration continues to express concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Leavitt claimed that Iran has the capability to build a nuclear weapon and only needs a decision from its Supreme Leader to do so. The U.S. administration has not confirmed intelligence reports about Iran’s immediate nuclear intentions.
Escalating Conflict and Strikes
The backdrop to these decisions is a growing cycle of military actions. On Thursday, Israel struck Iran’s heavy water nuclear reactor in Arak. In response, Iran launched missiles at southern Israel, with one strike damaging the Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba. Iranian officials stated that they were targeting military and intelligence sites nearby, a claim disputed by Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded harshly, accusing Iran of terrorism:
“That is state-sponsored terror and a blatant violation of international law,” said Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin.
Israel has intensified its campaign, reportedly targeting strategic military installations in Tehran and nuclear-related facilities such as Natanz.
According to Iran’s state media, 224 Iranians have been killed since June 15, though independent estimates suggest higher figures. Israel has reported at least 24 deaths on its side since the start of the conflict.
Strategic Ambiguity
The U.S. administration is maintaining what analysts describe as “strategic ambiguity,” refusing to confirm potential military targets or timelines. Speculation continues that the Fordo nuclear facility, hidden deep within a mountain and unreachable by Israeli weapons, could be a focus if the U.S. chooses to act.
While diplomatic hopes remain, the next two weeks are seen as a critical window that could determine whether the conflict expands into a broader regional war.