U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will decide within two weeks whether to join Israel’s military strikes on Iran, citing a “substantial” chance for diplomatic talks.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that ongoing “correspondence” with Tehran could open space for negotiations, though Iran denies reaching out to Washington or seeking a nuclear weapon. “If there’s a chance for diplomacy, the president’s always going to grab it,” Leavitt said, while adding that Trump remains prepared to act militarily if necessary.
The announcement follows heightened speculation over potential U.S. military involvement after Israel targeted Iranian nuclear and military facilities. Trump has backed Israel’s actions but hasn’t committed to joining the strikes.
Leavitt warned of Iran’s nuclear threat, stating the country could produce a nuclear weapon in just “a couple of weeks,” if ordered by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has repeatedly denied having a nuclear weapons program.
Trump, who withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in his first term, said Iran had requested to send officials to the White House for talks, a claim Tehran denies. Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is not expected to join ongoing European-led diplomacy in Geneva.
Trump continues daily national security meetings ahead of the NATO summit in the Netherlands on Monday. His MAGA base is split, with figures like Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon opposing involvement, citing Trump’s past promises to avoid “forever wars.”
