Trump to decide on Iran action in two weeks: White House

IANS June 20, 2025 453 views

The White House says Trump will decide on potential military action against Iran within two weeks as diplomatic efforts continue. Iran insists on Israel halting attacks before returning to nuclear talks, while the US pushes for off-site uranium enrichment. Backchannel discussions between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials have intensified since Israel's strikes. Trump has reportedly approved attack plans but is holding off pending Iran's compliance with nuclear demands.

"Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiation... I will make my decision whether or not to go in the next two weeks" – Donald Trump via Karoline Leavitt
New York, June 20: US President Donald Trump will make a decision on whether he will order a strike against Iran in the next two weeks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a briefing.

Key Points

1

Trump weighs Iran strike amid nuclear talks

2

Tehran demands Israel ceasefire before negotiations

3

US proposes off-site uranium enrichment

4

Diplomatic calls continue between US and Iran

"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," Leavitt read a statement on Thursday, from Trump who responded to speculation about whether the United States would directly get involved in the conflict between Iran and Israel.

Iran must agree to no enrichment of uranium, and Tehran must not be able to achieve a nuclear weapon as part of any diplomatic agreement, Leavitt said.

Correspondence between the United States and Iran "has continued" as the two sides engage in negotiations, Leavitt said, echoing earlier Thursday reports that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have talked by phone several times since Israel began its strikes on Iran on Jun 13, in a bid to find a diplomatic end to the crisis, Xinhua news agency reported.

The talks included a brief discussion of a US proposal for Iran aiming to create a regional consortium that would enrich uranium outside of Iran, which Tehran has so far rejected, local media quoted three diplomats as saying on the condition of anonymity.

Araghchi told Witkoff that Tehran "could show flexibility in the nuclear issue" if the US government pressured Israel to end the war, adding Tehran would not return to negotiations unless Israel stopped the attacks, local media quoted a regional diplomat.

Trump approved attack plans on Iran on Tuesday night, but held off making a final decision in case Iran agrees to abandon its nuclear program, media reported.

Trump has met with his national security team in the Situation Room each day since Tuesday.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
As an Indian watching this unfold, I worry how this tension will affect global oil prices. Our economy is already struggling and higher petrol prices will hit common people hard. Hope diplomacy wins over military action. 🙏
P
Priya M.
Interesting to see Trump's brinkmanship. But India must stay neutral - we have good relations with both US and Iran. Chabahar port is crucial for our Afghanistan access. Our foreign policy should focus on protecting Indian interests first.
A
Amit S.
The US always acts like world police! Why can't they let countries solve their own issues? India faced similar pressure during nuclear tests. Iran has right to peaceful nuclear program if they follow NPT rules. Double standards!
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Neha T.
Hope our government is preparing contingency plans. If Gulf region becomes unstable, it will affect 8 million Indian workers there. Safety of our diaspora should be top priority. Maybe time to increase repatriation flights?
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Vikram J.
While Iran's nuclear ambitions are concerning, military action will only make things worse. Look at Iraq and Afghanistan. Diplomacy takes time but is better than war. India should offer to mediate - we have good relations with both sides.

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