President Donald Trump is expected to decide within two weeks whether the United States will engage militarily in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict by striking targets in Iran, the White House has announced.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed growing speculation surrounding U.S. involvement in the Middle East. She confirmed that President Trump is weighing his options carefully amid evolving diplomatic developments.
“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,” Leavitt quoted Trump as saying.
While not committing to a specific course of action, the administration reiterated its long-standing position that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
“Nobody should be surprised” by Trump’s stance, Leavitt said, noting that he has been “unequivocally clear about this for decades.”
She also responded to questions about the upcoming meeting between European foreign secretaries and their Iranian counterpart, stating, “The president expects that Europe will deliver that message directly to the Iranians.”
She added that the belief that Iran must not become a nuclear power is shared globally. “This is something pretty much all of humanity, except the Iranian terrorist regime themselves, agree upon,” Leavitt asserted.
Describing the current status of Iran, Leavitt said the regime is in a “very weak and vulnerable position” as a result of recent Israeli military actions.
She emphasized that the president continues to prefer diplomatic solutions, but will not shy away from using force if necessary.
“I think the president has made it clear he always wants to pursue diplomacy,” she said, while stressing Trump is “unafraid to use strength if necessary.”
“Iran and the entire world should know that the U.S. military is the strongest and most lethal fighting force in the world, and we have capabilities that no other country on this planet possesses,” Leavitt concluded.
The conflict began with Israeli airstrikes on June 13, targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, including sites in Natanz, Fordow, and Arak. Israel says the strikes aimed to dismantle Iran’s weapons production capabilities, especially its nuclear enrichment program and missile systems.
“We are not pursuing regime change, but we are determined to eliminate the threat to Israeli lives,” said Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed it struck over 100 targets using air and cyber operations, reportedly aided by Mossad sabotage efforts within Iran.
In response, Iran launched missile attacks on Israeli targets, including the latest strike on Soroka Hospital in Beersheba on Thursday.
Tehran accused Israel of war crimes, citing the deaths of hundreds of civilians and the destruction of infrastructure.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any further involvement by the United States would trigger broader retaliation.
“The Islamic Republic will not hesitate to strike back against aggression,” Khamenei said, adding that American bases in the region could be targeted if the conflict expands even as President Trump continues to fire back at him, hoping to find a diplomatic solution before making the looming decision on striking Iran.
…With News Wires…
