The White House announced Thursday that President Donald Trump will decide within the next two weeks whether the United States will intervene in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, quoting the president, said the decision hinges on the possibility of future negotiations with Tehran. “Based on the fact that there is a substantial possibility of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision to go or not within the next two weeks,” Trump stated, according to Leavitt.
Speaking to reporters during a press briefing, Leavitt emphasized that the president’s stance on Iran is not new. “No one should be surprised that the president believes Iran must not have a nuclear weapon. It’s a position he has maintained not only as president but also as a private citizen,” she said.
Leavitt also confirmed ongoing backchannel communications between Washington and Tehran: “I can confirm that correspondence has continued.”
She reminded reporters that Trump has long held a hardline position on Iran. “In 2011, he said the U.S. should focus on destroying Iran’s nuclear ambitions. In 2015, he warned that Iran posed a threat to Israel, Middle Eastern allies, and the United States.”
Regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities, Leavitt warned that the country could produce a nuclear weapon within just two weeks if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave the order. “Iran has everything it needs to build a nuclear weapon. All that remains is a decision from the Supreme Leader, and it would take a couple of weeks to complete production,” she stated.
In recent days, U.S. media have reported that Trump has approved preliminary plans to support Israel’s air campaign against Iran, though no final decision has been made. According to CBS News, citing senior intelligence and Defense Department officials, the president has already given a green light to potentially join the operation.
However, The Wall Street Journal reported that on Tuesday night, Trump told senior advisers he was postponing a final order in case Iran decided to abandon its nuclear program. Three individuals familiar with the matter told the outlet that Trump hopes to exhaust diplomatic options before escalating militarily.
On Thursday, Trump responded to the reports via his Truth Social platform, denying any leaks about his intentions. “The Wall Street Journal has no idea what my thoughts are on Iran!” he wrote.