New York: US President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision within the next two weeks on whether to authorize a military strike against Iran, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Reading out a statement from Trump during a press briefing, Leavitt said, “Given the possibility of upcoming negotiations with Iran, I will determine whether or not to proceed with action in the next two weeks.” This statement comes amidst growing speculation about potential US involvement in the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
Leavitt emphasized that any diplomatic breakthrough would require Iran to agree to halt uranium enrichment and abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons. These conditions, she noted, are central to any future agreement.
Despite tensions, diplomatic engagement continues between the two nations. Leavitt confirmed that communication is ongoing, with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi holding multiple phone conversations since Israel began its airstrikes on Iran on June 13.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the discussions included a US proposal for the creation of a regional consortium to enrich uranium outside Iran—an idea Tehran has thus far rejected.
Araghchi reportedly told Witkoff that Tehran might show flexibility on the nuclear issue if Washington could pressure Israel to halt its military campaign. However, he made it clear that Iran would not return to formal negotiations unless the Israeli attacks stopped.
The diplomatic outreach indicates a possible path to de-escalation, but much hinges on the coming weeks and the choices made in Washington and Tehran.
