Trump to decide on U.S. action in Israel-Iran conflict within two weeks, White House says

White House considers diplomatic solution with Iran amid escalating tensions, Trump to decide on U.S. involvement in two weeks.

The White House said on Thursday (June 19, 2025) that President Donald Trump will make a decision on whether the U.S. will get involved in the Israel-Iran conflict in the next two weeks.

Citing a message from Mr. Trump, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.”

Israel-Iran conflict LIVE | Updates on June 19, 2025

Ms. Leavitt told a regular briefing that Mr. Trump was interested in pursuing a diplomatic solution with Iran, but his top priority was ensuring that Iran could not obtain a nuclear weapon.

She said any deal would have to prohibit enrichment of uranium by Tehran and eliminate Iran’s ability to achieve a nuclear weapon.

“The president is always interested in a diplomatic solution ...he is a peacemaker in chief. He is the peace through strength president. And so, if there’s a chance for diplomacy, the President’s always going to grab it,” Ms. Leavitt said. “But he’s not afraid to use strength as well I will add.”

Ms. Leavitt declined to say if Mr. Trump would seek congressional authorisation for any strikes on Iran. She said Washington remained convinced that Iran had never been closer to obtaining a nuclear weapon.