US President Donald Trump has indicated that he is still deliberating on the possibility of joining Israel’s military strikes against Iran, suggesting that the Iranian leadership is currently seeking negotiations with the United States, though they may have delayed too long. During a press conference, Trump described the situation as fluid, stating, “I may do it, I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do.” This statement followed his second Situation Room meeting in two days with national security advisors as the world remains uncertain about his decision regarding military action.
Trump emphasized the significance of the forthcoming week in determining Iran’s future, pointing out that “Iran’s got a lot of trouble” and expressing his belief that they are eager to negotiate. The White House has announced that Trump will receive further briefings in the Situation Room during a federal holiday on Thursday.
His comments come in the wake of resistance from Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who dismissed Trump’s conditions for negotiation and issued a warning about potential “irreparable damage” from U.S. intervention. Following a statement where he labeled Khamenei an “easy target,” Trump remarked that a change in leadership in Iran “could happen.”
Despite mounting pressure and the potential repercussions of engaging in another foreign conflict—especially from the isolationist elements within his own party—Trump indicated he had not made a definitive decision. “I have ideas as to what to do, but I haven’t made a final (decision),” he noted, underscoring his tendency to make decisions in the eleventh hour due to the rapidly evolving nature of military situations.
Reports emerged suggesting Trump had greenlit attack plans for Iran but was waiting to see if the Iranian government would agree to curb its nuclear ambitions. A White House official reiterated that “all options are on the table” in response to inquiries about this development.
In parallel diplomatic efforts, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Washington, with discussions expected to center on Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump appeared unfazed about reaching a decision on military action, opting to spend considerable time overseeing the installation of two large flagpoles at the White House. He highlighted Iran’s attempts to engage in discussions about its nuclear program to end issues with Israel, saying, “They want to come to the White House, I may do that.” However, he remarked it was “very late to be talking,” hinting that circumstances have shifted significantly over the past week.
In a stark rebuttal, Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations declared that no Iranian official has proposed such dialogue, reaffirming their stance against what was described as “groveling” at the White House.
Trump had previously shown a preference for negotiating a resolution to Iran’s nuclear program, aiming to replace the pact he disavowed during his first term in 2018. However, following recent military actions by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against Iranian targets, Trump has signaled a willingness to potentially leverage American military power in support of Israel.
The President conveyed that Iran is now “weeks” away from developing a nuclear weapon, asserting that the United States possesses the necessary “bunker buster” munitions to target critical Iranian facilities, while also stressing that this does not imply an immediate military intention.
While expressing ongoing support for Israel’s military efforts against Iran, Trump revealed that he has been in regular contact with Netanyahu, instructing him to “keep going.” He did, however, dismiss an offer from Russian President Vladimir Putin to mediate the escalating conflict, suggesting that Russia should focus on resolving its own issues in Ukraine before involving itself in other matters.
