Trump Weighs Military Action, Gives Diplomacy Two Weeks in Israel-Iran Crisis

President Donald Trump is holding off on a final decision over potential U.S. military intervention in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, opting instead to give diplomacy one last shot—and himself more time to assess the stakes.

Speaking on June 19, Trump said he would decide “within two weeks” whether to take action, citing signs that negotiations with Iran could still be possible. “Given the likelihood of talks taking place in the near future, I’ll decide whether to act or not in the next two weeks,” he said.

A Strategic Pause — or a Tactical Feint?

The delay comes after weeks of rising tension. Since Israel launched a surprise air campaign on June 13, killing multiple Iranian nuclear scientists and top commanders, the prospect of direct U.S. involvement has loomed large. Trump has openly called on Iran to “surrender unconditionally” and urged civilians to evacuate Tehran. The Pentagon has also moved military assets into the region, fueling speculation that the U.S. might be preparing for war.

But according to analysts, Trump’s decision to set a two-week deadline is a calculated move—buying time to evaluate Iran’s next steps and measure the long-term implications of U.S. intervention. This isn’t the first time Trump has used a two-week window. On May 28, when asked how soon Russia’s intent on ending the Ukraine war might become clear, he replied: “Give it two weeks, maybe a week and a half.”

“He often gives himself two weeks when the path forward isn’t clear,” GOP strategist Alex Conant told The Wall Street Journal. “In politics, two weeks can feel like forever—and sometimes, problems solve themselves if you wait.”

Trump is betting on two potential outcomes: a diplomatic breakthrough, or a shift in Tehran’s posture after suffering heavy losses. Either way, the pause keeps the U.S. at arm’s length while Israel continues its offensive—and allows Trump to stay aligned with his campaign promise to keep America out of endless wars.

Still, the waiting period may be more than a stalling tactic. Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Adm. James Stavridis suggested it could be a deliberate misdirection. “It may be a cover for an immediate strike—a smart move to lower Iran’s guard,” he told CNN.

Even without a surprise attack, the two-week window gives Washington room to reposition forces, possibly deploying more carriers to the region. It also allows Israel to continue degrading Iran’s air defenses, reducing the risk for U.S. forces if Trump chooses to act.

Pressure From Israel and Pushback From MAGA

Trump’s pause also relieves mounting pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has publicly called on the U.S. to provide GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs to destroy Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow nuclear facility. Just one hour after Trump’s deferral, Netanyahu hinted that Israel might act alone. “We will reach every target and strike every nuclear facility,” he told Israel’s Kan News. “We have the capability to do it.”

Back home, Trump faces growing unease among his MAGA base—staunch supporters who are wary of entangling the U.S. in another Middle Eastern conflict. Though Trump hasn’t ruled out military intervention, any move toward war could fracture his coalition ahead of the election.

Will Iran Blink?

Diplomatically, the next two weeks may prove pivotal. The White House hopes Tehran will reassess its position under the weight of Israeli strikes and international pressure. But former U.S. Ambassador to the IAEA Laura Holgate doubts Iran will agree to Trump’s demand for “unconditional surrender” or abandon its uranium enrichment program entirely.

“There’s no scenario where Iran simply walks away from its enrichment capabilities,” she said. “The best outcome is one where the U.S. accepts Iran’s right to enrich uranium for civilian use, and Iran agrees to fully dismantle any weapons potential.”

Robert Litwak, a senior fellow at the Wilson Center, added, “That’s the diplomatic path both sides need to walk: a verifiable civilian-only nuclear program for Iran, and recognition of that right by the U.S.”

All eyes are now on Geneva, where on June 20, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, alongside the foreign ministers of the UK, France, and Germany, is set to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. According to diplomatic sources, the U.S. will coordinate from behind the scenes.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who met with U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio a day earlier, said, “The situation remains dangerous, but a narrow window for diplomacy has opened.”

European diplomats say they’re pushing for a “take-it-or-leave-it” framework to convince Iran to limit its program to peaceful purposes in exchange for easing sanctions and avoiding regime collapse.

But the White House reiterated on June 19 that any new deal must require Iran to stop all uranium enrichment—a demand that could prove difficult to enforce.

“The president listens to all sides and relies on his own extraordinary instincts to make decisions,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. “He always prefers diplomacy as the first option. Trust President Trump—his instincts are unmatched.”

Sources: Reuters, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal