WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, giving the Islamic Republic two weeks to surrender or face possible military action, as concerns grow over its nuclear capabilities and rising tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a White House briefing on Thursday, Trump signaled that a final decision on striking Iran will come within the next 14 days, though he still holds out hope for a diplomatic breakthrough.
“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,” Leavitt read from Trump’s official statement.
Iran ‘Weeks Away’ from Nuclear Weapon, U.S. Says
Leavitt raised alarm over Iran’s nuclear progress, stating unequivocally that the country has “everything it needs” to build a nuclear weapon and only requires a green light from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
“Let’s be very clear: Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon,” Leavitt warned. “All they need is a decision from the Supreme Leader.”
She added that if Iran proceeded, it could have a weapon “within a couple of weeks”, posing what she called an “existential threat” to Israel, the United States, and the wider world.
Israel Requests U.S. Support in Ongoing Conflict
Trump’s announcement comes as Israel’s war with Iran entered its second week, with Tel Aviv reportedly seeking U.S. assistance to bomb Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, a heavily fortified site suspected of advanced uranium enrichment.
While the Israeli government pushes for joint military operations, Trump is under pressure from within his own party. Critics from the MAGA-right faction have voiced skepticism, warning the move contradicts his previous vows to avoid “forever wars” and “prevent World War III.”
“Trust in President Trump,” Leavitt responded when asked about the growing concern among Trump’s base.
A Diplomatic Door Still Open?
Despite the deadline, Leavitt reiterated that diplomacy is still on the table, revealing that backchannel communications with Iran have been ongoing. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, was spotted at the White House on Thursday, although Leavitt confirmed he would not be heading to Geneva, where European and Iranian delegates are set to meet on Friday.
“As for correspondence between the United States and the Iranians, I can confirm that correspondence has continued,” Leavitt said, adding that both direct and indirect rounds of negotiation have occurred.
She confirmed Iran has shown interest in further discussions, possibly even a visit to Washington D.C., though she declined to provide specifics.
Oman in the Mix, Trump Offers White House Visit
Oman, which previously hosted secret U.S.-Iran negotiations, was back in the spotlight after three Iranian planes were spotted landing in Muscat on Wednesday—potentially signaling a new round of shuttle diplomacy.
When asked if Trump might host Iranian officials at the White House, Leavitt didn’t rule out the possibility.
“I’m not going to get into hypotheticals,” she said, “but as you heard from the president yesterday, they have expressed interest in doing that.”
Trump’s Red Line: No Enrichment, No Nukes
The administration remains firm in its non-negotiable demand that Iran halt all uranium enrichment. The previous diplomatic offer, described as “realistic and acceptable,” remains on the table—but with time running out.
“Nobody should be surprised by the president’s position that Iran absolutely cannot obtain a nuclear weapon,” Leavitt emphasized.
With the world watching and a 14-day clock ticking, the stakes are high. Whether the crisis ends in diplomacy or escalation depends on what unfolds behind closed doors in the coming days.
