Trump warns Iran: two weeks left to avoid U.S. air strikes amid Israel conflict

President Trump’s ultimatum gives Iran a strict two-week window to halt nuclear activities or face U.S. military action, intensifying tensions as Israeli strikes continue to cause hundreds of casualties. This report covers the stalled diplomacy, mounting casualties, and the high-stakes countdown shaping Middle East security.

Sources:
NbcnewsAbcnews+5
Updated 15h ago
Sources: The Washington PostNbcnewsBbc+3
President Donald Trump has issued a new two-week ultimatum to decide on U.S. military involvement in Israel's campaign against Iran's nuclear facilities.

Trump stated through White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, "Based on the fact that theres a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks."

This deadline follows a week of Israeli airstrikes that have reportedly killed at least 639 people in Iran, according to a Washington-based human rights group, with the Iranian health ministry reporting over 224 deaths and more than 2,500 wounded.

Israeli Defense Minister Eyal Zamir warned, "His country should be ready for a prolonged campaign and warned of difficult days ahead."

European officials have urged Iran to limit its nuclear program to avoid U.S. military escalation, but Trump dismissed these diplomatic efforts as unhelpful.

The president's repeated use of two-week deadlines has drawn criticism, with a former White House press secretary calling it "one of Donald Trump's absolute favorite tactics." Despite this, the looming decision carries significant risks, as any U.S. strike could escalate into a wider regional conflict.

Iran has indicated willingness for diplomacy only if Israeli aggression ceases, while experts warn Iran might use talks to buy time or relocate nuclear material.

The situation remains volatile, with Trump weighing military action against the backdrop of international law concerns and the potential for a broader Middle East war.

Sources: The Washington PostBbc
President Donald Trump has set a fresh two-week deadline to decide whether the U.S. will join Israel in striking Iran’s nuclear sites, amid warnings of a prolonged conflict and international calls for diplomacy. The decision follows Israeli attacks and concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Section 1 background
The Headline

Trump sets two-week deadline for Iran air strikes

Key Facts
  • President Donald Trump set a two-week deadline to decide whether the United States will join Israel in a military campaign targeting Iran's nuclear sites.The Washington Post1
  • Trump warned Iran it has a maximum of two weeks to avoid possible American air strikes, indicating a decision could come before the 14-day deadline.Bbc
  • Trump has repeatedly used two-week deadlines for various decisions, including military aid to Ukraine and tariff announcements, over the last two months and during his first term.NbcnewsNpr
The clock is ticking, though: Trump has set a two-week deadline to decide whether the United States will join Israel in the military campaign it launched last week vowing to cripple Iran’s nuclear sites.
The Washington Post
1
Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks, he said in a statement issued through White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Nbcnews
Nbcnews
US President Donald Trump said Iran had a maximum of two weeks to avoid possible American air strikes, suggesting that he could take a decision before the 14-day deadline he set on Thursday.
Bbc
Bbc
Trump has promised action on questions or decisions in 'two weeks' over a dozen times in the last two months, according to an NBC News review — and he used the same timeline repeatedly during his first term in office.
Nbcnews
Nbcnews
Trump is considering military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Doing so is explicitly prohibited under article 56 of the additional protocol to the Geneva conventions because of the danger of nuclear contamination.
Theguardian
Theguardian
At least 657 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran and more than 2,000 wounded, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group.
Usnews
1
Key Stats at a Glance
Two-week deadline for Iran air strikes
14-day
Bbc

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Other Updates

Additional context on Trump tactics and conflict risks

Key Facts
  • Trump's two-week deadline tactic is a recurring strategy he has used for various policy decisions, often delaying announcements beyond the promised timeframe.Npr
  • Military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities are explicitly prohibited under article 56 of the additional protocol to the Geneva conventions due to nuclear contamination risks.Theguardian
  • Any attack on Tehran risks escalating into a full regional war, with Iran threatening retaliation against U.S. bases in Iraq, Bahrain, and the Gulf.Theguardian
  • There is debate over the legality and justification of Israel's war on Iran, with some viewing it as a war of choice risking another disastrous Middle East conflict.Theguardian
  • Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's claims about Iran's nuclear progress contradict U.S. intelligence assessments that Iran is not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon and remains years away from capability.Theguardian
Section 3 background
Background Context

Diplomatic deadlock and escalating Israel-Iran conflict

Key Facts
  • European officials urged Iran to restrict its nuclear program to prevent U.S. involvement in Israel's attacks, but Trump called the meeting unhelpful.The Washington Post1
  • Geneva talks between Iran and European representatives yielded no breakthrough on curbing Iran's nuclear program.Abcnews
  • Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated diplomacy depends on stopping Israel's aggression before negotiations can proceed.Bbc
  • Israeli officials have been frustrated with U.S. restraint and have privately pushed for American military involvement for months.Abcnews
  • Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir warned of difficult days ahead and said Israel should prepare for a prolonged campaign.Bbc
  • Iran has reported hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries from the ongoing conflict with Israel, with at least 639 killed according to a human rights group.BbcNbcnews3
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