WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he will make a decision within two weeks on whether the United States will support Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iran. His remarks, delivered via a statement read by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, come amid rising international concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East.
A Pause for Potential Negotiations
Trump cited a “substantial chance” of diplomatic talks with Iran as the reason for the delay in military action. “I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” he said, hinting at possible backchannel communications between Washington and Tehran.
Leavitt added, “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 emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that Iran could potentially produce a nuclear weapon within a matter of weeks if the country’s supreme leader gave the green light.
Conflicting Narratives on Diplomacy
Trump previously claimed Iran had reached out to request direct talks with the U.S. about its nuclear program and to de-escalate the conflict with Israel. However, Iranian officials have denied making any such overtures.
Despite this, Leavitt confirmed ongoing “correspondence” between Washington and Tehran since Israel’s initial strikes on Iranian targets last week. She also noted that there were no current plans for Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to participate in a European-led meeting with Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva.
Daily Security Briefings Underway
Trump has been meeting with his top national security advisors daily in the White House Situation Room, with discussions expected to continue through his departure for the NATO summit in the Netherlands.
The administration is weighing the potential impact of U.S. military involvement, particularly since the U.S. is the only nation with bunker-busting capabilities sufficient to destroy Iran’s heavily fortified Fordo nuclear site.
Balancing Strength and Isolationism
Trump’s inner circle remains divided over the issue. Prominent voices within the MAGA movement, including Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon, have spoken out against U.S. strikes on Iran. These perspectives echo Trump’s longstanding campaign promise to end American entanglement in “forever wars,” a key theme in both his 2016 and 2024 election campaigns.
Despite mixed reactions, the administration is urging supporters to trust the former president’s judgment.
“Trust in President Trump. He has incredible instincts,” Leavitt said, appealing to Trump’s base as he navigates one of the most volatile foreign policy decisions of his second term.
