President Donald Trump weighs U.S. entry into Israel-Iran conflict as diplomatic pressure builds on Tehran; decision expected within a fortnight amid rising tensions and Republican divide.
President Donald Trump will determine within the next two weeks whether the United States will directly intervene in the escalating Israel-Iran air war, the White House announced on Thursday, intensifying global scrutiny of U.S. foreign policy and increasing diplomatic pressure on Tehran. Speaking at a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt relayed the President’s message, signaling both openness to diplomacy and readiness to act.
Trump Weighs War or Diplomacy: “Decision in Two Weeks”
Leavitt stated, “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.”
Trump has offered contradictory signals—floating ideas of a peace deal while also hinting at military action, including a social media post this week in which he mused about assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and demanding Tehran’s “unconditional surrender.”
Republican Rift Over Military Threats
The possibility of direct U.S. involvement has created visible fissures within the Republican Party—between traditional hawks and its increasingly vocal isolationist faction. Critics note Trump’s pattern of imposing deadlines and ultimatums, only to later walk them back.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy mocked the timeline, posting on X, “No one believes this ‘two weeks’ bit. He’s used it a million times before to pretend he might be doing something he’s not. It just makes America look weak and silly.”
Nuclear Red Lines and Diplomatic Conditions
Leavitt reinforced the administration’s hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear program:
“The president is always interested in a diplomatic solution … but he’s not afraid to use strength as well,” she said, adding that any agreement must eliminate Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities and guarantee Tehran never obtains a nuclear weapon.
Will Trump Bypass Congress?
Pressed by reporters, Leavitt declined to confirm whether Trump would seek Congressional authorization for a military strike against Iran. This comes amid growing concern that the President may circumvent the legislature, as CBS and other outlets report Trump has already approved a strike plan.
Notably, Leavitt’s assertion that Iran is just “a couple of weeks” away from developing a nuclear weapon directly contradicts March testimony from Trump’s own intelligence chief, Tulsi Gabbard, who stated that Iran was not actively pursuing a nuclear warhead.
Trump dismissed her analysis on Wednesday, telling reporters: “I don’t care what she said. I think they were very close to having one.”
Military Escalation in the Region
As the conflict escalates, Israel continues bombing Iranian nuclear sites, prompting retaliatory strikes from Tehran, including missiles and drone attacks that targeted an Israeli hospital. Neither side appears to be seeking de-escalation, increasing the risk of regional destabilization.
White House officials confirmed Trump had been briefed on Thursday’s Israeli operation and is in regular contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Leavitt warned, “Iran is in a deeply vulnerable position and will face grave consequences if it does not halt its nuclear program.”
Quiet Backchannels: U.S.-Iran Dialogue Ongoing?
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, backchannel communications are underway, according to three diplomats who told Reuters that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi have spoken multiple times since the conflict began.
These conversations hint at a possible opening for negotiations, even as tensions remain dangerously high.