U.S. President Donald Trump has signalled that a final decision on whether the United States will launch military strikes against Iran is expected within the next two weeks, emphasizing the possibility of pursuing diplomatic negotiations instead, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday.
“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 to go within the next two weeks,” Leavitt quoted Trump during a briefing.
Trump’s timing coincides with escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Israeli forces have recently carried out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, including the Fordow and Arak facilities, sparking retaliatory Iranian missile and drone strikes—one of which heavily damaged Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba.
In addition to warnings from allied nations such as the UK, Germany, and Canada urging caution and diplomatic resolution, Trump’s national security team is reportedly focusing not only on military options—including U.S. bunker‑buster strikes against deeply buried sites like Fordow—but also assessing whether a negotiated settlement might preempt a broader regional war.
A key development is ongoing diplomacy: multiple rounds of indirect talks have taken place in Muscat and Rome since April, led by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. These discussions followed Trump’s March letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, which set a 60-day deadline for Tehran to return to the negotiation table.
Critical international stakeholders remain divided. While European officials seek to de-escalate via negotiations in Geneva, U.S. military assets are being repositioned in the region as a deterrent signal Iran has warned of severe repercussions if the U.S. intervenes, while Israel warns that its campaign will continue until Iranian nuclear and missile infrastructures are sufficiently degraded.
The White House remains ambiguous on whether Trump will seek Congressional authorization for strikes, although officials stress the president’s intention is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons—by force if necessary, or through diplomatic agreement.
What to Watch Next
- Trump’s final decision expected by early July.
- Outcomes of Geneva talks involving EU and Iranian diplomats.
- U.S. military movements in the Middle East and any deployment updates.
- Iran’s response to both diplomatic overtures and threats of force.
