The military tension between Israel and Iran, which reached its peak in June 2025, has become the center of global diplomacy. Israel's attacks on Iranian nuclear bases like Natanz and Fordo and Iran's retaliatory attacks have brought the Middle East to the brink of war. Amid this crisis, all eyes are on the strategy and thinking of US President Donald Trump. The White House recently revealed that Trump will decide on military action against Iran in the next two weeks. Let us analyze the meaning of this meeting and Trump's stance based on facts.White House statement: Trump's two-week ultimatum
On June 20, 2025, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said that President Trump will decide in the next two weeks whether the US has to intervene militarily in the Israel-Iran conflict. Levitt quoted Trump as saying, "Depending on whether or not we are likely to negotiate with Iran in the near future, I will decide in the next two weeks whether or not we want to engage in that." This statement indicates that Trump is giving priority to diplomacy, but will not shy away from military action either.
Trump has repeatedly stressed that Iran will not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. On June 17, 2025, on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Iran should have signed the deal I put in front of them. It is very shameful and a waste of human life. Clearly, Iran cannot have nuclear weapons."
Trump's strategy: Diplomacy or war?
Trump's stance reflects an attempt to maintain balance in the Israel-Iran conflict. In an interview to Fox News, he said, "I would prefer to negotiate with Iran. Iran cannot have nuclear weapons." However, he also warned that if Iran did not agree to his conditions, the US military would take action at a "level never seen before".
According to the White House, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff has spoken several times on the phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, indicating that talks on the nuclear issue are ongoing. Trump has demanded that Iran completely stop uranium enrichment and nuclear weapons development. Levitt made it clear that any agreement would have to end Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
Trump's support for Israel
Trump has openly supported Israel's attacks. On June 14, 2025, he said that he had prior knowledge of Israel's attack on Natanz and described it as "excellent". However, he also clarified that the US military was not involved in these attacks. Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could further inflame the conflict, curbing Netanyahu's plans.
On June 17, 2025, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "We know where Khamenei is hiding. He's an easy target, but we're not going to kill him, at least not right now." The statement reflects the US' intelligence surveillance of Iran's leadership and Trump's tough policy.
Iran's response and regional tensions
Iran rejected Trump's threats, saying it would not negotiate under pressure. Supreme Leader Khamenei warned that the US would suffer "irreparable losses" if it joined the war. Iran launched missile attacks on Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Beersheba, further increasing tensions in the region.
India and the global perspective
India has taken a neutral stand in the conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India would neither accept nor mediate. India evacuated 110 Indian students, including 90 Kashmiris, from Iran, which shows India's concern in the region.
Russia and China have also expressed concern about the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin offered mediation in a telephonic conversation with Trump, but Trump did not give concrete support to it.
Conclusion
Trump's thinking is to strike a balance between diplomacy and military action in the Israel-Iran conflict. The White House statement shows that the next two weeks will determine the direction of the region. If Iran does not come to the negotiating table, the US can take military action in collaboration with Israel. This situation will have a profound impact not only on the Middle East, but also on the global economy and diplomacy.
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