President Donald Trump is expected to decide within the next two weeks whether the United States will directly join the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the White House announced on Thursday.
At a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared a message from the president: “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.”
The announcement follows intense fighting in the region. A missile strike from Iran hit a hospital in southern Israel earlier in the day. The facility, Soroka Medical Center, reported 71 injuries. Israeli officials claimed the target was a nearby military site. Israel says 24 of its citizens have died since the conflict began.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh warned that U.S. involvement would cause “hell for the whole region,” adding, “This is not America’s war.” He also said such a move would turn the conflict into a long and violent crisis.
Despite this, Trump has not ruled out direct action. “I may do it. I may not do it,” he told reporters earlier this week.
Leavitt assured Americans that the president’s top goal is to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon. The administration has claimed that Iran is closer than ever to achieving that goal, even though recent intelligence reports say otherwise. Trump has rejected those assessments.
While keeping plans unclear, the administration is reportedly reviewing military options, including a possible strike on Iran’s underground Fordo nuclear facility. Located deep inside a mountain, the site is believed to be out of reach of Israeli weapons. Only U.S. forces possess bombs powerful enough to destroy it. Iran insists the Fordo facility is used for peaceful, civilian purposes.
Meanwhile, diplomatic channels remain open. Leavitt confirmed that American and Iranian negotiators are still in contact. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi have spoken several times since Israel began its strikes.
Efforts to broker peace are also under way in Europe. Foreign ministers from key European countries will meet their Iranian counterpart in Switzerland on Friday. However, Iran says it will not begin formal talks while airstrikes continue.
Speculation around Trump’s next move grew after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei publicly rejected a U.S. demand to abandon the nuclear program. Reports have surfaced suggesting Trump approved military plans but is holding back in hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough.
On Thursday, Trump responded on social media, claiming that news reports “have no idea what my thoughts are concerning Iran.” He did not deny that strike plans exist.
When asked what message he has for everyday Americans concerned about entering another war, Leavitt said, “Trust in President Trump.”
This moment recalls past U.S. presidents who used military force under tense global conditions. But experts say this time feels different. Trump has shown a preference for ambiguity, refusing to outline clear steps or conditions.
A federal official noted that the president’s decision is being shaped by both military advice and political calculations. The next two weeks will be crucial in determining whether the United States enters another foreign conflict or continues seeking a diplomatic way forward.
Israel has continued its air campaign against Iran, striking an inactive reactor in Arak and launching fresh attacks on the Natanz uranium site overnight. Iranian and Israeli death tolls continue to rise.
As the conflict intensifies, all eyes remain on Washington. Trump’s decision could reshape the regional landscape—and define the next chapter of his presidency.
