WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is in no rush to pull the trigger — figuratively or otherwise — when it comes to the United States' role in the spiraling tensions between Iran and Israel.
At a press briefing that felt more like a balancing act than a policy announcement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday that the President is giving himself a two-week window to make a call. The decision, she said, hinges on the possibility of "negotiations that may or may not take place" with Iran in the near future.
"We’re not chasing chaos,” Leavitt added, before reading Trump's own words:
"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.”
That’s about as clear as D.C. fog in February.
A Dance with Diplomacy?
The language was deliberately vague—some say cautious, others might call it calculated. What’s clear is that Trump, known for his unpredictability, seems unusually... patient. At least for now.
Foreign policy analysts are already buzzing. Some believe Trump is using the ambiguity as leverage. Others think he’s genuinely torn between hardline advisors and the growing domestic fatigue over foreign entanglements.
"Trump thrives in the space between threat and diplomacy,” said Dr. Marcus Allen, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute. “It gives him the freedom to pivot depending on the political winds.”
And the winds right now? Turbulent, at best.
Social Media Reacts
On X (formerly Twitter), reactions ranged from frustration to cautious optimism.
@RightWingRobbie88:
“Typical Trump. Makes a strong statement with zero substance. Two weeks? Iran won’t wait two hours.”
@PeacePlease2025:
“I don’t love the guy, but if Trump can keep us out of another endless war, I’ll give him credit. Words matter more than bombs sometimes.”
War-Wary or Strategy-Driven?
This is a moment when Trump’s signature unpredictability may be his biggest political asset—or liability. On one hand, he can posture tough, hinting at force. On the other, he can hold that force back while quietly working backchannels.
What complicates things further is the unpredictability on the other side. Iran has been sending mixed signals, while Israel continues to brace for potential escalation.
Still, two weeks is a political lifetime. A lot can happen. Talks can begin. Missiles can fly. Or—maybe—the headlines just shift elsewhere, and Trump walks away saying he “kept the peace.”
That said, don’t count on silence from either side in the days to come. Because if there’s one thing both Tehran and Tel Aviv know, it’s that Washington watches, even when it waits.
FAQs
Q: Is Trump planning to deploy U.S. troops in the Middle East?
As of now, no formal decision has been made. The President has stated he will decide on any U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict within the next two weeks, depending on diplomatic developments.
Q: Why is Trump delaying his decision on Iran-Israel conflict?
The delay appears to be strategic, allowing space for possible negotiations with Iran while also evaluating the evolving regional situation.