Trump to Decide on Potential U.S. Action Against Iran Within Two Weeks, White House Says

 

By USA NEWS TODAY| Updated June 20, 2025

WASHINGTON — President Trump will determine within the next two weeks whether the U.S. will join Israel’s war against Iran, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The goal: dismantling Iran’s nuclear program. But a diplomatic window, officials say, remains open — for now.

“There is a chance for substantial negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future,” Leavitt said Thursday. “The president will make his decision accordingly.”

What’s at stake:

Trump is weighing a military strike, but only if three key conditions are met:

• That it is truly necessary.

• That it does not drag the U.S. into a long war.

• That it can achieve the strategic goal of eliminating Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Behind the scenes:

Trump has held three straight days of national security meetings in the White House Situation Room. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is in direct communication with Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi — a rare diplomatic backchannel that underscores both the urgency and sensitivity of the moment.

Trump has acknowledged Iran's offer to send a delegation to Washington, but warned on Wednesday that it may be “very late” for negotiations. Still, no official meeting has been scheduled between U.S. and Iranian officials.

Diplomatic moves in motion:

European diplomats are also working to avoid a wider conflict. The foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the U.K., along with the EU’s top foreign policy chief, are expected to meet with Araghchi in Geneva on Friday.

Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Witkoff at the White House. Lammy said a diplomatic breakthrough could still be achieved — but only within a narrowing window.

The big picture:

A U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, particularly at the underground Fordow site, would almost certainly provoke retaliation and risk a broader war across the region. Trump’s team insists diplomacy remains the preferred path — but that force is very much on the table.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

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