Trump: ‘Two Weeks Max’ for Iran Decision

• Trump brushes off European attempts at mediation as ineffective.
• U.S. President states that Israel is ‘succeeding,’ complicating efforts to halt strikes.
• ‘Iran has two weeks to prevent a U.S. response.’

On Friday, President Donald Trump conveyed that Iran has a maximum of two weeks to avert potential U.S. airstrikes, hinting he might reach a decision before the deadline he announced just a day prior.

Trump noted that he is hesitant to urge Israel to cease its attacks on Iran, as he believes Israel is “winning,” and he dismissed European mediation efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.

“I’m allowing a timeframe, and I would say two weeks is the maximum,” Trump told reporters when questioned about the possibility of a U.S. strike on Iran before that timeframe.

His objective is to “determine whether or not people will come to their senses.”

In a statement released on Thursday, Trump indicated he would make a decision on potential military action within the next two weeks, acknowledging a “significant chance for negotiations” with Iran.

These comments were widely interpreted as opening a two-week window for diplomatic discussions to resolve the conflict between Israel and Iran, prompting European powers to engage in talks with Tehran.

However, Trump’s latest statements suggest he could proceed sooner if he perceives no progress in dismantling Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Meanwhile, Trump dismissed discussions involving European powers—Britain, France, Germany, and the EU—who recently met with Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva.

Europe ‘not helpful’

“They were no help,” he remarked while arriving in Morristown, New Jersey, ahead of a fundraising event at his nearby golf course.

“Iran prefers to negotiate with us, not Europe. Europe won’t be of much assistance here.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated after the Geneva discussions that Tehran would not re-engage in negotiations with the United States until Israel ceased its military actions.

Trump, however, was not optimistic about this request. “It’s difficult to make that call right now,” he said.

“When one side is succeeding, it’s harder to make such demands than when they are facing losses. Nonetheless, we are prepared and willing to engage with Iran. We’ll see how it unfolds.”

Trump reiterated his assertion that Iran is weeks away from developing a nuclear weapon, despite differing views within his administration regarding the validity of this intelligence.

In a report released in March, Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s Director of National Intelligence, stated that Iran is not close to having the necessary enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon.

“She is mistaken,” Trump commented regarding Gabbard, who has long opposed U.S. military intervention.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.

‘Over 450 missiles’

Since Israel commenced its military operations on June 13—targeting nuclear and military facilities, while also striking residential areas—Iran has retaliated with extensive missile attacks, which Israeli officials claim have resulted in at least 25 fatalities.

A medical facility in Haifa reported 19 injuries, including one individual in critical condition, following the latest Iranian assault.

To date, over 450 missiles and around 400 drones have been launched at Israel, according to the National Public Diplomacy Directorate of Israel.

Iran has asserted that Israeli strikes have claimed at least 224 lives, including military leaders, nuclear experts, and civilians, although this figure has not been revised since.

A U.S.-based NGO, the Human Rights Activists News Agency, reported on Friday that at least 657 individuals have died in Iran amid ongoing violence, including 263 civilians.