The White House issued a serious warning on Thursday, stating that Iran could create a nuclear weapon in just a few weeks. During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, “Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon. All they need is a decision from the supreme leader to do that, and it would take a couple of weeks to complete the production of that weapon,” according to AFP.

Trump to Decide US Response Soon

US President Donald Trump, who is leading US foreign policy decisions during the ongoing Israel-Iran crisis, has not yet announced whether the United States will take military action. However, Leavitt confirmed that a decision is expected within two weeks.

Referring to a message from Trump, she said, “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.”

Diplomacy Still on the Table

Leavitt stressed that while Trump prefers a peaceful resolution, he remains focused on stopping Iran from getting a nuclear bomb. “The president is always interested in a diplomatic solution … he is a peacemaker in chief. He is the peace through strength president. And so if there’s a chance for diplomacy, the president’s always going to grab it,” she said. “But he’s not afraid to use strength as well I will add.”

She also made it clear that any future agreement with Iran must include a complete ban on uranium enrichment and a total shutdown of its nuclear weapons program.

No Clear Answer on Congressional Approval

When asked whether Trump would seek congressional approval before ordering any military strikes, Leavitt chose not to respond. However, she repeated that the US believes Iran is closer than ever to building a nuclear weapon.

Tensions Rise After Israeli Airstrikes

The warning from the White House comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East. On Thursday, Israel carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear-linked sites. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel after an Israeli hospital was hit.

The back-and-forth attacks have deepened the crisis, with both countries refusing to back down. Experts say this is the most serious threat Iran has faced since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Trump Issues Harsh Warnings to Iran

Leavitt confirmed that Trump had been fully briefed on Israel’s recent military actions. She added that if Iran continues its nuclear program, it would face “grave consequences.”

Meanwhile, Trump has continued to keep the international community guessing. On one day, he suggested he might target Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He hinted at the possibility of talks—but demanded Iran’s unconditional surrender first on another day. On Wednesday, Trump added, “nobody knows” what his decision will be.

Secret Talks Reportedly Underway

Despite the heated public statements, quiet diplomatic efforts are in motion. Reuters reported that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has spoken several times by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. These talks began after Israel launched its first set of airstrikes last week.