The White House announced on Thursday that President Donald Trump is weighing the possibility of U.S. involvement in the escalating air conflict between Israel and Iran, with a decision expected within a fortnight. The statement comes amid growing calls for Tehran to return to diplomatic talks.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, citing a message from President Trump: “Given the substantial possibility of negotiations with Iran occurring in the near future, I will make my decision on whether or not to intervene within the next two weeks.”

The Republican president has kept the international community uncertain about his intentions, oscillating between calls for a swift diplomatic resolution and suggestions that the U.S. might side with Israel militarily. On Wednesday, Trump stated that no one knew what course of action he would take. A day earlier, he had controversially suggested on social media the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while demanding Iran’s unconditional surrender.

These statements have revealed divisions within Trump’s support base, between hawkish traditional Republicans and the party’s more isolationist factions.

Critics, however, pointed out that since returning to office five months ago, Trump has repeatedly set various deadlines—ranging from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to trade tariff negotiations—only to later suspend or disregard them.

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy expressed scepticism on social media platform X, stating, “I think going to war with Iran is a terrible idea, but no one believes this ‘two weeks’ claim. He’s used it countless times before to feign action he’s not actually taking. It just makes America look weak and foolish.”

At a regular White House briefing, Leavitt reiterated that President Trump favours a diplomatic solution with Iran but emphasised that his foremost priority remains preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

She underlined that any potential agreement must prohibit uranium enrichment by Iran and eliminate its capacity to develop nuclear weapons.

“The president is always interested in diplomacy,” Leavitt said. “If there’s a chance for it, he will seize it. But he is also unafraid to demonstrate strength when necessary.”