Trump to Decide on Iran Within Two Weeks: A Setback for Israel?

Published: June 20, 2025
Author: NRI Globe Staff
Category: World News

In a significant development shaking the Middle East, the White House announced that U.S. President Donald Trump will decide within the next two weeks whether the United States will join Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iran. This statement, delivered by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on June 19, 2025, has sparked intense speculation about the future of U.S. foreign policy in the region and its implications for Israel, which has been engaged in a week-long aerial conflict with Iran. The delay in U.S. action is being viewed by some as a potential setback for Israel’s aggressive strategy against Iran’s nuclear program.

Trump’s Two-Week Deadline: Diplomacy or Military Action?

President Trump’s decision comes at a critical juncture as Israel continues its bombardment of Iranian nuclear sites, including the heavily fortified Fordow and Natanz facilities, in an effort to cripple Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The White House emphasized a “substantial chance of negotiations” with Iran, suggesting Trump is keeping the door open for a diplomatic resolution. “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,” Trump said in a statement read by Leavitt.

This cautious approach contrasts with Israel’s urgent push for U.S. military support. Israeli President Isaac Herzog recently called for international backing to “eradicate” Iran’s nuclear program, highlighting the existential threat it poses to Israel. However, Trump’s reluctance to commit immediately has raised concerns in Israel, with some analysts interpreting it as a setback for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategy, which relies heavily on U.S. involvement.

Why the Delay? Mixed Signals and Strategic Calculations

The Israel-Iran conflict, now in its seventh day as of June 19, 2025, has escalated rapidly. Israel’s strikes have caused significant damage, including to Iran’s state broadcaster and its largest uranium enrichment plant, while Iran has retaliated with missile barrages targeting Israeli military and intelligence sites, including a direct hit on Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba. The conflict has claimed over 200 lives in Iran, according to the Iranian Health Ministry, and heightened regional tensions.

Trump’s decision to delay action follows reports of direct U.S.-Iran communications. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi have held multiple phone calls since Israel’s strikes began on June 13, aiming for a diplomatic resolution. Iran has insisted that negotiations cannot proceed unless Israel halts its attacks, a condition that complicates the path to peace.

Meanwhile, Trump’s public statements have been ambiguous. He has claimed Iran is “a few weeks away” from developing a nuclear weapon, a statement met with skepticism by some U.S. officials, including Senator Mark Warner, who noted a lack of clear intelligence on Iran’s nuclear progress. Trump’s assertion that the U.S. has “complete and total control of the skies over Iran” has also drawn attention, though no concrete evidence supports this claim.

A Setback for Israel?

Israel’s defense arsenal is reportedly under strain, with some sources suggesting it may only sustain its missile interception capabilities for another two weeks. Trump’s delay could pressure Israel to scale back its operations or seek a ceasefire, especially as domestic and international support wanes. Posts on X indicate growing frustration with Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict, with some users suggesting Trump’s hesitation is a deliberate move to push Israel toward negotiations rather than prolonged warfare.

On the other hand, Israel’s leadership remains defiant. Israel’s Defense Minister has declared that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “can no longer be allowed to exist,” signaling an intent to escalate attacks on strategic targets. This hardline stance contrasts with Trump’s openness to diplomacy, creating a potential rift between the two allies.

Global Reactions and Implications

The international community is closely watching Trump’s next move. Russia has attempted to mediate, with President Vladimir Putin engaging in talks with both Iranian and Israeli leaders. France is preparing to evacuate its citizens from the region, while U.S. airlines like American and United have suspended flights to Middle Eastern hubs like Doha and Dubai.

On Capitol Hill, concerns about unilateral U.S. action are growing. Senator Tim Kaine has filed a resolution to prevent Trump from entering the conflict without Congressional approval, emphasizing that “Congress has the sole power to declare war.” This reflects broader unease about the U.S. being drawn into another Middle Eastern conflict.

What’s Next?

As the two-week clock ticks, the world awaits Trump’s decision, which could reshape the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. Will he opt for a military strike to support Israel, or will he pursue negotiations to de-escalate tensions? For Israel, the delay may force a reevaluation of its strategy, while Iran faces mounting pressure to respond to both military and diplomatic challenges. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this conflict escalates into a broader war or finds a path to resolution.

Stay tuned to NRI Globe for the latest updates on the Israel-Iran conflict and Trump’s pivotal decision.

Keywords: Trump Iran decision, Israel-Iran conflict, U.S. foreign policy, Middle East crisis, nuclear program, diplomacy, military action, Netanyahu setback, White House statement, June 2025 news