Trump: Decision on Iran military action ‘within 2 weeks’; Iran demands end to Israeli strikes before return to talks

Amid ongoing speculation about potential U.S. participation in Israel’s war against the Iranian regime, President Donald Trump seems poised to give diplomacy another chance.

“Based on the fact that there is a chance for substantial negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision on whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt quoted the president as saying on Thursday.

Leavitt stressed that any agreement must guarantee the regime is prevented from enriching uranium or developing a nuclear weapon.

Trump has deliberated about whether to join the strikes against Iran’s nuclear program, particularly the underground facility in Fordow, for the last days.

The president convened his top National Security team for the past three consecutive days as the military has significantly strengthened its forces in the Middle East.

U.S. officials told Axios that before issuing any order, that before issuing any order, Trump wants to verify that military action is both necessary and could achieve the limited goal of dismantling the regime’s nuclear program without dragging the U.S. into a broader, prolonged regional war.

On Thursday, Israel's leadership spoke directly with senior U.S. officials about the next steps in the war.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and other Israeli senior officials, held a discussion with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, and other senior government officials, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Trump’s statement came the day before Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was set to meet the foreign ministers from Britain, France and Germany – known as the E3 – as well as the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas.

“The Iranians can’t sit down with the Americans, whereas we can,” a European diplomat told Reuters.

“We will tell them to come back to the table to discuss the nuclear issue before the worst case scenario, while raising our concerns over its ballistic missiles, support to Russia and detention of our citizens.”

Axios and Reuters reported that White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had spoke to Araghchi by phone several times since the start of the war, but without success.

Araghchi reportedly rejected a return to negotiations unless Israel halts its strikes in Iran.

While European officials signal optimism ahead of the talks, the U.S. leadership seems skeptical despite Trump’s statement.

Kallas and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke about the negotiations on Wednesday, according to a European diplomat.

Rubio and Witkoff also met British Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the White House on Thursday.

The situation in the Middle East remains perilous. We are determined that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon. Meeting with @SecRubio and @SteveWitkoff in the White House today, we discussed how a deal could avoid a deepening conflict. A window now exists within the next two… pic.twitter.com/UKAOsnDAm8

— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 19, 2025

“We discussed how a deal could avoid a deepening conflict,” Lammy wrote on 𝕏 following the meeting.

“A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution,” he added.

Press Secretary Leavitt said the U.S. would evaluate the outcome of the meeting with Araghchi but cautioned: “The president always wants to use diplomacy, but is not afraid to use force if necessary.”

Marc Thiessen: "Donald Trump is not an isolationist, but I think some of the Republican isolationists are suddenly discovering that they're out of touch with the MAGA movement and Donald Trump...I have total confidence in Donald Trump. This is the guy who killed Qasem Soleimani.… pic.twitter.com/NZNVwNmPfN

— Trump Posts on 𝕏 (@trump_repost) June 20, 2025

Trump reposted part of an interview by Marc Thiessen on Fox News Thursday night, possibly sending a subtle message.

“Donald Trump is not an isolationist, but I think some of the Republican isolationists are suddenly discovering that they're out of touch with the MAGA movement and Donald Trump,” Thiessen said.

“I have total confidence in Donald Trump. This is the guy who killed Qasem Soleimani. You think he's afraid to take out Fordow? Of course not.”