After a week of growing speculation over whether President Donald Trump would launch military strikes against Iran in support of Israel’s campaign to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear weapons ambitions, the White House signaled a possible shift toward diplomacy.
In a press briefing Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that there is a “substantial chance” for renewed negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. The announcement comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is reportedly preparing to meet with European leaders Friday in Geneva.
Leavitt confirmed that U.S. and Iranian officials have already engaged in six rounds of direct and indirect talks since hostilities with Israel escalated on June 13. She did not confirm whether Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who is leading Trump’s negotiation efforts, would participate in the upcoming Geneva meetings.
When asked by Fox News’ Jacqui Heinrich whether Iran’s willingness to send diplomats to Switzerland implied openness to negotiating with the U.S. directly, Leavitt said, “I’m not going to get into hypotheticals, but as you heard from the president yesterday, they have expressed interest in doing so.”
Trump: Decision Within Two Weeks
Leavitt also read a message from President Trump, saying he would decide “within the next two weeks” whether to pursue military action or give diplomacy another chance. “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations… I will make my decision whether or not to go [forward] within the next two weeks,” the president’s message stated.
Trump has consistently maintained a hard line on Iran’s nuclear program. “There will be no enrichment of uranium,” Leavitt reiterated. “That’s non-negotiable.”
Nuclear Threat Escalating
The press secretary warned that the nuclear threat from Iran is at an all-time high. “Iran has never been closer to obtaining a nuclear weapon,” she said. “They have everything they need. All that’s missing is the Supreme Leader’s decision to proceed. It could take just weeks to produce a functional weapon.”
That concern follows reports of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian infrastructure, including a refinery near Tehran on June 15, resulting in massive plumes of smoke.
Yet Leavitt was adamant: “Iran will not achieve a nuclear weapon. President Trump has made that absolutely clear.”
A Deal Still on the Table
Leavitt confirmed that Trump has sent a proposal to Tehran through diplomatic backchannels. “The deal presented by Special Envoy Witkoff is realistic and fair,” she said. “Iran can and should accept it. Otherwise, they face grave consequences.”
The White House emphasized Iran’s weakened state due to Israeli strikes. “They’re isolated, vulnerable, and desperate,” Leavitt stated. “We’re giving them a final opportunity to resolve this peacefully.”
Geneva Talks with European Leaders
According to French outlet RFI, Friday’s Geneva negotiations will include French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Barrot reportedly stated that the European trio “stand ready to bring our competence and experience” and seek “a lasting rollback of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.”
Rubio, Allies Agree: Iran Must Never Get the Bomb
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with his British counterpart Thursday to coordinate diplomatic efforts. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said both officials “agreed Iran must never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.”
Pressed further about the Trump administration’s red lines and future moves, a senior White House official simply pointed back to Leavitt’s comments, suggesting the president’s options remain open—but dwindling.
As the world watches with bated breath, Trump’s decision—war or diplomacy—appears imminent.