President Donald Trump has warned that Iran has a maximum of two weeks to avoid potential U.S. military action, suggesting a decision could come even sooner if no progress is seen. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump emphasized that the deadline was not fixed and could be shortened depending on developments.
“I’m giving them a period of time, and I would say two weeks would be the maximum,” he said, adding that the goal was to see if “people come to their senses.”
Trump’s comments follow his Thursday statement about a “substantial chance of negotiations,” which had sparked hopes that a two-week window for diplomacy might help defuse tensions between Iran and Israel. However, his latest remarks indicate that he is not necessarily waiting out the full period if Iran fails to show progress in dismantling its nuclear program.
Europe’s Mediation Rejected
Trump dismissed mediation efforts by European powers—namely Britain, France, Germany, and the EU—who held talks with Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva. “They didn’t help,” Trump said upon arriving in Morristown, New Jersey, for a fundraising event. “Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, after meeting with European officials, stated that Tehran would not resume talks with Washington unless Israel halted its military campaign. Trump, however, said he could not support such a demand. “It’s very hard to make that request right now,” he noted. “If somebody’s winning, it’s a little bit harder to do than if somebody’s losing.”
U.S.-Iran Tensions Over Nuclear Claims
Trump reiterated his belief that Iran is only weeks away from acquiring a nuclear weapon, despite conflicting assessments from within his own administration. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard had reported in March that Iran did not possess enough enriched uranium for a bomb. Trump dismissed that conclusion, saying, “She’s wrong.”
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes.
Escalating Violence
Since Israel began its offensive on June 13, targeting nuclear and military infrastructure as well as residential areas, the conflict has intensified. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks that Israeli authorities claim have killed at least 25 people. A hospital in Haifa reported 19 injuries from the latest barrage, including one person in critical condition.
Israel’s National Public Diplomacy Directorate reports over 450 missiles and approximately 400 drones have been launched by Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran claims Israeli strikes have killed at least 224 people, including nuclear scientists, military officials, and civilians. The toll, however, has not been updated in recent days. An independent U.S.-based NGO, the Human Rights Activists News Agency, estimates the Iranian death toll at 657, including 263 civilians.
As the crisis deepens, Trump’s remarks suggest that time for diplomacy is quickly running out — and military action remains a real possibility.
