U.S. President Donald Trump will determine within the next two weeks whether to proceed with military action against Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced during a press briefing on Thursday.
Leavitt read a statement from Trump indicating that the decision hinges on the potential for upcoming negotiations with Tehran.
“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 read.
According to Leavitt, any diplomatic agreement must include Iran agreeing to end uranium enrichment and prevent the development of nuclear weapons.
Talks between Washington and Tehran are ongoing, she confirmed, referencing multiple phone conversations between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as reported by Xinhua.
Sources cited by local media noted that one topic under discussion is a U.S.-proposed regional consortium that would carry out uranium enrichment outside Iran—a proposal Iran has so far rejected. However, Araghchi reportedly signaled some willingness to be flexible on the nuclear issue, provided the U.S. takes steps to stop Israeli strikes on Iranian territory.
The diplomat quoted in local media added that Iran would not return to the negotiating table unless Israel halts its military actions.
While Trump reportedly approved preliminary strike plans earlier this week, he has delayed issuing a final order in the hopes that Iran will step back from its nuclear ambitions. In the meantime, he has convened daily meetings with his national security team in the White House Situation Room since Tuesday.