Trump Weighs Iran Strike, Eyes Diplomatic Window First

rki.news
WASHINGTON, June 20, 2025, President Donald Trump is expected to decide within two weeks whether the United States will join Israel’s military campaign against Iran, aiming to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear program, the White House announced Thursday.
Speaking at a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump remains open to diplomacy, citing “a chance for substantial negotiations” with Iran. “The president will make his decision within the next two weeks,” she added, noting that any potential agreement must ensure Iran cannot enrich uranium or develop nuclear weapons.
Trump has held three consecutive national security meetings this week to assess the situation. According to U.S. officials, he is weighing whether military action is essential, whether it can avoid a long-term conflict, and whether it would successfully eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat.
Behind closed doors, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has remained in contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Trump stated Wednesday that Iran has expressed interest in negotiations and even proposed sending a delegation to Washington, though no official meeting is confirmed.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the U.K., along with the EU’s foreign policy chief, will meet Araghchi in Geneva on Friday. Leavitt confirmed the U.S. is closely monitoring the outcome.
U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, after meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Witkoff, said a “window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution.”
While Trump favors diplomacy, Leavitt emphasized he “is not afraid to use force if necessary,” keeping military options firmly on the table.