US President Donald Trump has announced he will decide within two weeks whether the United States will join Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iran, citing a possible opening for diplomatic negotiations with Tehran.
In a statement read by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday, Trump acknowledged widespread speculation over America’s potential involvement but emphasized that the situation remains fluid.
“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,” Trump said.
Nuclear Tensions and Military Strategy
Despite the diplomatic window, Leavitt warned that Iran could build a nuclear weapon in just “a couple of weeks” if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei authorizes it.
“Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon,” Leavitt told reporters.
“All they need is a decision from the supreme leader.”
The urgency follows Trump’s own warning that Tehran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, echoing his hardline stance during his first term.
Conflicting Messages Between Washington and Tehran
Earlier this week, Trump claimed that Iran had reached out to initiate direct negotiations with the White House over its nuclear program—a claim Tehran quickly denied.
Leavitt did not disclose the source of the president’s optimism but confirmed that “correspondence has continued” between Washington and Tehran, possibly through Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Deliberations Inside the White House
Trump has reportedly held three Situation Room meetings in as many days, reflecting the weight of the decision ahead. The U.S. remains the only country in possession of powerful “bunker buster” bombs capable of striking deeply buried Iranian nuclear sites, such as the Fordo enrichment plant.
While Trump’s past foreign policy emphasized withdrawal from Middle East wars, including tearing up the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, his administration now faces pressure to support Israel’s escalating strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities.
Mixed Reactions from Trump’s Base
Conservative voices including Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon have publicly opposed U.S. military action, citing Trump’s promises to avoid another “forever war.” Still, the White House remains confident in its messaging.
“Trust in President Trump. President Trump has incredible instincts,” said Leavitt.
Conclusion
With oil prices climbing and nuclear tensions rising, Trump’s final decision could reshape both the geopolitical landscape and the 2025 presidential race. For now, the world watches as diplomacy battles urgency on the global stage.
