US President Donald Trump raised global anxiety on Friday by declaring Iran had “a maximum of two weeks” to avoid potential US airstrikes. This follows his earlier statement that a decision on military intervention would be made within a fortnight.
Speaking in Morristown, New Jersey, Trump dismissed European efforts to mediate between Iran and Israel. “Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this,” he said.
Trump’s remarks came shortly after presiding over a high-level national security meeting at the White House, where Iran’s actions and the US response were discussed. A US official confirmed that special envoy Steve Witkoff remains in contact with Iranian counterparts, using Qatar as a back channel.
The looming threat of direct US involvement has added a new layer of uncertainty to the volatile Iran-Israel conflict, which has already taken hundreds of lives.
Europe Pushes Diplomacy, But Iran Isn’t Buying It
Despite Trump’s firm stance, European foreign ministers gathered in Geneva on Friday in a last-ditch attempt to reignite nuclear talks with Iran. The foreign ministers of Germany, France, Britain, and the EU met with Iranian officials but saw little progress.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Iran had shown interest in continuing discussions—not just on its nuclear programme, but on broader issues. “We expect Iran to commit to the discussion, including with the United States, to reach a negotiated settlement,” Barrot added.
However, diplomats admit the timing couldn’t be worse. With Israel’s airstrikes continuing and Iran retaliating with missile and drone attacks, diplomacy is being drowned out by bombs.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a heartfelt plea, saying: “To the parties to the conflict… I have a simple and clear message: Give peace a chance.” His warning comes as fears grow that this regional war could morph into a full-blown international crisis.
Israel-Iran Conflict Claims Hundreds, as Pressure Builds
Israel’s deadly air campaign has now entered its second week. The Human Rights Activists News Agency reports 639 deaths in Iran, including military generals and key nuclear scientists. Iran has hit back, claiming its missile strikes are a defensive response aimed at deterring further Israeli aggression.
The root of the conflict, according to Israel, lies in Iran’s nuclear ambitions—though Tehran insists its programme is peaceful. The Israel-Iran war is fast becoming one of the most dangerous flashpoints in recent history, dragging in world powers and raising fears of a wider Middle East war.
Whether the world edges toward diplomacy or disaster may now depend on the next two weeks—and Trump’s decision.
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