Trump to decide on Iran strike within weeks.
White House Press Secretary confirmed that correspondence between the United States and Iran “has continued” amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations. While tensions remain high over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional activities, the Biden administration has emphasized the importance of dialogue to de-escalate potential conflict. The continuation of communication suggests that both sides are still exploring diplomatic pathways despite setbacks in formal negotiations.
Officials from both countries have reportedly exchanged messages through indirect channels, possibly facilitated by intermediaries such as Oman or Qatar. These talks aim to address a range of issues, including Iran’s enrichment of uranium beyond agreed limits and U.S. sanctions that continue to hinder Iran’s economy.
While no breakthrough has been officially announced, the White House stressed that open lines of communication are crucial in preventing misunderstandings that could lead to unintended escalation. Analysts believe these exchanges could lay the groundwork for a broader agreement or even a partial deal that might include humanitarian relief or prisoner swaps. The administration remains committed to diplomacy while also preparing contingencies should talks collapse.
New York: US President Donald Trump to Decide on Iran Strike Within Two Weeks, Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Contact
US President Donald Trump will make a decision within the next two weeks on whether to authorize a military strike against Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed during a press briefing on Thursday. Leavitt read a statement from the President, which directly addressed rising speculation about potential US involvement in the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
“Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiation that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go in the next two weeks,” the statement said. Trump’s remarks reflect the administration’s cautious approach to direct military engagement, balancing the desire to contain Iran with the possibility of a negotiated resolution to the growing regional crisis.
The White House also laid out the US position on any prospective agreement with Iran, emphasizing that Tehran must completely halt uranium enrichment and be prevented from developing a nuclear weapon. Leavitt reiterated that these conditions are non-negotiable in any future deal with the Islamic Republic.
Despite the high tensions, diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran remain open. “Correspondence between the United States and Iran has continued,” Leavitt said, echoing earlier reports that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have held multiple phone conversations since Israel began its strikes on Iran on June 13. These calls aim to explore a diplomatic exit from the ongoing hostilities.
According to Xinhua news agency, these talks reflect ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts to contain the conflict and prevent it from spiraling further out of control. The discussions reportedly included a brief mention of a new US proposal for Iran. This plan would involve establishing a regional consortium to carry out uranium enrichment activities outside of Iran—an idea Tehran has so far rejected, according to local media citing three unnamed diplomats.
In one of the recent calls, Araghchi reportedly told Witkoff that Iran could show flexibility on the nuclear issue if the United States used its influence to press Israel to cease its military operations. However, Araghchi made it clear that Tehran would not consider returning to formal negotiations until Israeli attacks are halted.
This latest development underscores the complex and fragile nature of the situation in the Middle East, where diplomatic maneuvering continues in parallel with open conflict. The coming weeks are likely to be critical, as President Trump weighs both military and diplomatic options. The world watches closely as the United States, Iran, and regional powers navigate a dangerous geopolitical landscape.