U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to decide within the next two weeks whether the United States will directly intervene in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the White House announced Thursday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president is weighing the potential for diplomatic negotiations with Iran. “There’s a substantial chance of talks, and the president will decide whether to act militarily in the coming two weeks,” Leavitt stated.
Trump’s top priority, she added, is to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. Any potential agreement with Tehran must block uranium enrichment and dismantle Iran’s nuclear capability.
“The president is a peacemaker at heart, but he’s also ready to act with strength if needed,” Leavitt said, emphasizing Trump’s “peace through strength” approach. She did not confirm whether Trump would seek congressional approval before taking military action.
This announcement comes amid heightened hostilities in the Middle East. Israel recently launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites following a missile attack that damaged an Israeli hospital. Iran retaliated with a wave of drone and missile strikes, as both nations escalate a week-long air war with no signs of de-escalation.
Despite the tension, behind-the-scenes communication continues. Three diplomats confirmed that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff has held multiple phone conversations with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi since the conflict began.
Trump has sent mixed signals on potential U.S. military involvement—fluctuating between calls for diplomacy and threats of force, even musing online about targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader and demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”