Trump to Decide on Iran Strike Within Two Weeks as Europe Pushes for Diplomatic Breakthrough
GENEVA — President Donald Trump has stated that he will decide whether the United States will launch a military strike on Iran within the next two weeks. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, and growing concerns that U.S. involvement could ignite a broader conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement released Thursday, the White House noted a “substantial chance of negotiations” with Iran, though it remains unclear whether those talks will take place. Trump’s remarks come after days of signaling a potential attack on Iranian nuclear sites while leaving the door open for diplomacy.
European Diplomacy Resumes in Geneva
As the U.S. weighs military options, European officials, largely sidelined since the conflict began, will meet with Iranian officials in Geneva on Friday. Their goal: to encourage Tehran to return to the negotiation table and de-escalate the conflict.
Despite their limited influence, European nations hope to leverage their roles as defense suppliers and diplomatic intermediaries. This marks the first formal meeting between Iranian and Western diplomats since Israel began targeting Iranian nuclear facilities last week.
U.S. Middle East Envoy in Backchannel Talks
Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, confirmed that Steve Witkoff, the president’s special envoy to the Middle East, has been in communication with Iranian officials. However, she declined to elaborate further. Iran previously withdrew from U.S. nuclear talks following Israel’s initial airstrikes.
Leavitt reiterated that any potential nuclear deal must include a ban on uranium enrichment and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Israeli Airstrikes Escalate
On Thursday, Israeli forces launched a fresh wave of airstrikes targeting key locations in Iran, including a nuclear complex. Defense Minister Israel Katz pledged intensified operations to eliminate threats to Israel, following an Iranian missile barrage that struck multiple sites — including the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, southern Israel.
The hospital reported minor injuries and structural damage, making it the first Israeli medical facility directly hit since hostilities with Iran began.
Key Developments to Know:
U.S. Military Involvement Possible: Israel is urging the U.S. to deploy advanced weapons against Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of “irreparable” consequences if the U.S. joins the conflict.
Damage in Iran: Israeli officials confirmed strikes on several Iranian targets, including the Arak nuclear reactor and a nuclear facility in Natanz. Iranian media claimed the damage was minimal.
Missile Defense Concerns: Israel’s Iron Dome and other interceptor systems are under strain, raising fears about whether Israel can maintain air defense capabilities amid prolonged missile attacks.
