Washington (TDI): President Donald Trump is expected to make a final call within the next two weeks on whether the United States will intervene in the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran, the White House confirmed on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president’s decision will hinge on whether a diplomatic opening with Tehran emerges in the coming days.
“There’s a realistic chance that negotiations with Iran could take shape soon,” she said. “President Trump intends to decide within two weeks whether American involvement is necessary.”
Since resuming office, Trump has projected mixed signals on Iran, at times urging dialogue, while at other moments hinting at military action. Just this week, he publicly questioned whether targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was an option and simultaneously called for Iran’s unconditional capitulation.
These remarks have widened rifts within the Republican ranks, with traditional defense hawks urging action and non-interventionist conservatives pushing back.
Read More: Supreme Leader Surrounded: If Khamenei Falls, What Comes Next?
Critics remain doubtful of the president’s timeline. Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat, said in a statement, “Trump has played the ‘two weeks’ card too many times. It’s a bluff he uses to look tough while avoiding actual decisions. It weakens our global standing.”
Leavitt maintained that diplomacy remains the administration’s preference, but emphasized Trump’s firm stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“He’s willing to talk, but any agreement must completely end Iran’s uranium enrichment and remove any path to a nuclear weapon,” she explained. “He wants peace, but he’s not afraid to use power if that’s what it takes.”
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When pressed on whether Trump would seek congressional approval before launching any military action, Leavitt declined to provide a clear answer.
Democratic lawmakers have voiced alarm, warning that any such move would bypass the Constitution, which grants Congress the sole authority to declare war.
In her remarks, Leavitt insisted US intelligence believes Iran is closer than ever to developing a nuclear weapon. “They could have one in just a few weeks,” she claimed.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
