Trump to Decide on Possible US Strike on Iran Within Two Weeks, Says White House
| 2025-06-20
US President Donald Trump’s remarks indicate he is extending the timeline for Iran to halt its nuclear activities before deciding on possible US military action.
US President considers military action amid escalating Israel-Iran conflict; decision expected soon, says Press Secretary
US President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether the United States will launch military action against Iran, the White House confirmed on Thursday, as the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its second week.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, speaking during a regular briefing, said Mr Trump remained open to a diplomatic solution but acknowledged that negotiations with Iran remained uncertain.
“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,” she quoted Mr Trump as saying.
The remarks suggest a measured approach, amid mounting speculation that Washington could join Israeli strikes against Iranian targets following several days of escalating military exchanges in the region.
Talks vs Tensions
On Wednesday, Mr Trump told reporters at the White House that Iran had indicated interest in restarting talks. "They’ve suggested that they come to the White House. That’s, you know, courageous, but it’s, like, not easy for them to do," he said.
Despite this, the US President left open the possibility of direct intervention. "I may do it, I may not do it," he stated. "Nobody knows what I’m going to do."
The latest exchange of fire between Israel and Iran has heightened global concern. Iranian state media reported on Thursday that air defences had been activated over northern Tehran to intercept what it called “hostile targets,” while Israel continued its campaign, claiming significant damage to Iran’s military infrastructure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel’s operations were “changing the face of the world,” adding that over half of Iran’s missile launchers had been destroyed.
The conflict intensified following a missile strike on an Israeli hospital. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz directly blamed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for his removal. Iran insisted it had targeted military installations.
Cautious US Posture
While no official military orders have been given, US defence forces have begun repositioning assets in the Middle East. Analysts suggest the move is a strategic signal of readiness.
President Trump emphasised that diplomacy remained his preferred course but accused Iran of missing opportunities to engage. “Why didn’t you negotiate with me two weeks ago? You could have done fine. You would have had a country,” he said.
He also referenced his decision to withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in 2018, reaffirming his long-held criticism of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
Despite the combative rhetoric, Mr Trump maintained a tone of separation between Iran’s leadership and its people. “I like the Iranians. I know many. They’re great people,” he told reporters.
Global Reactions and Escalation Risks
Russia, which maintains strong ties with Iran, warned the US against becoming directly involved, calling such a move “an extremely dangerous step.” There has been no public indication that China intends to join the conflict, with the White House stating it had “no signs” of Chinese military involvement.
The regional crisis follows nearly two years of conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups in Gaza, adding to fears of a wider Middle East war.
Mr Trump, speaking beside a newly raised flagpole on the White House lawn, appeared relaxed but firm. “Next week will be big, maybe less than a week,” he said, leaving open the timeline and nature of any US decision.
The coming days are expected to be pivotal in determining whether the United States enters the conflict or remains on the sidelines, continuing to back Israel diplomatically while urging Iran toward negotiations.
Context: US Policy Toward Iran
The US has had a complex and often adversarial relationship with Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Tensions escalated during Mr Trump’s first term, particularly after he withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The recent flare-up in the Middle East has revived longstanding fears about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and raised questions about the US role in supporting regional allies while avoiding direct entanglement.
A decision by President Trump to join the military campaign would mark a significant escalation and could reshape diplomatic alignments across the region. For now, all eyes remain on Washington as it weighs its next move.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, speaking during a regular briefing, said Mr Trump remained open to a diplomatic solution but acknowledged that negotiations with Iran remained uncertain.
“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,” she quoted Mr Trump as saying.
The remarks suggest a measured approach, amid mounting speculation that Washington could join Israeli strikes against Iranian targets following several days of escalating military exchanges in the region.
Talks vs Tensions
On Wednesday, Mr Trump told reporters at the White House that Iran had indicated interest in restarting talks. "They’ve suggested that they come to the White House. That’s, you know, courageous, but it’s, like, not easy for them to do," he said.
Despite this, the US President left open the possibility of direct intervention. "I may do it, I may not do it," he stated. "Nobody knows what I’m going to do."
The latest exchange of fire between Israel and Iran has heightened global concern. Iranian state media reported on Thursday that air defences had been activated over northern Tehran to intercept what it called “hostile targets,” while Israel continued its campaign, claiming significant damage to Iran’s military infrastructure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel’s operations were “changing the face of the world,” adding that over half of Iran’s missile launchers had been destroyed.
The conflict intensified following a missile strike on an Israeli hospital. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz directly blamed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for his removal. Iran insisted it had targeted military installations.
Cautious US Posture
While no official military orders have been given, US defence forces have begun repositioning assets in the Middle East. Analysts suggest the move is a strategic signal of readiness.
President Trump emphasised that diplomacy remained his preferred course but accused Iran of missing opportunities to engage. “Why didn’t you negotiate with me two weeks ago? You could have done fine. You would have had a country,” he said.
He also referenced his decision to withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in 2018, reaffirming his long-held criticism of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
Despite the combative rhetoric, Mr Trump maintained a tone of separation between Iran’s leadership and its people. “I like the Iranians. I know many. They’re great people,” he told reporters.
Global Reactions and Escalation Risks
Russia, which maintains strong ties with Iran, warned the US against becoming directly involved, calling such a move “an extremely dangerous step.” There has been no public indication that China intends to join the conflict, with the White House stating it had “no signs” of Chinese military involvement.
The regional crisis follows nearly two years of conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups in Gaza, adding to fears of a wider Middle East war.
Mr Trump, speaking beside a newly raised flagpole on the White House lawn, appeared relaxed but firm. “Next week will be big, maybe less than a week,” he said, leaving open the timeline and nature of any US decision.
The coming days are expected to be pivotal in determining whether the United States enters the conflict or remains on the sidelines, continuing to back Israel diplomatically while urging Iran toward negotiations.
Context: US Policy Toward Iran
The US has had a complex and often adversarial relationship with Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Tensions escalated during Mr Trump’s first term, particularly after he withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The recent flare-up in the Middle East has revived longstanding fears about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and raised questions about the US role in supporting regional allies while avoiding direct entanglement.
A decision by President Trump to join the military campaign would mark a significant escalation and could reshape diplomatic alignments across the region. For now, all eyes remain on Washington as it weighs its next move.
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