President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Iran on Friday, warning that Tehran has a maximum of two weeks to avert potential U.S. airstrikes. The statement follows growing tensions between Iran and Israel and ongoing diplomatic efforts by European nations to de-escalate the conflict.
“I’m giving them a period of time—two weeks would be the maximum,” Trump told reporters before attending a fundraiser in New Jersey. “The goal is to see whether or not people come to their senses.”
The president’s comments build on a statement made Thursday in which he signaled a decision on U.S. military action would come within two weeks, citing a “substantial chance of negotiations” with Iran. While initially seen as opening a window for diplomacy, Trump now suggests action could come sooner if there’s no clear movement from Iran on halting its nuclear ambitions.
Doubts Over Diplomacy
Trump dismissed recent talks between Iran and European powers—Britain, France, Germany, and the EU—as ineffective. “They didn’t help,” he said, brushing off European mediation efforts after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with EU leaders in Geneva.
“Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us,” Trump added. “Europe is not going to be able to help in this.”
Following the Geneva talks, Araghchi said Iran would not resume negotiations with the U.S. until Israel halts its military strikes. But Trump appeared unwilling to push Israel to pause, stating, “If somebody’s winning, it’s a little bit harder to do than if somebody’s losing.”
Despite ongoing hostilities, Trump maintained that the U.S. remains open to talks: “We’re ready, willing, and able… and we’ve been speaking to Iran. We’ll see what happens.”
Nuclear Tensions Rise
Trump reiterated his belief that Iran is only weeks away from being able to build a nuclear weapon—an assertion not shared by all in his administration. His Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, reported in March that Iran lacks the enriched uranium necessary for a nuclear bomb.
“She’s wrong,” Trump said, dismissing the assessment. Gabbard, a known critic of U.S. military interventions, was appointed by Trump to oversee the U.S. intelligence community.
Iran insists its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes.
