White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday evening that U.S. President Donald Trump intends to make a decision on whether to attack Iran within the next two weeks, as regional tensions escalate and fears grow of a wider confrontation between Tehran and the Israeli occupation.

In a press briefing, Leavitt emphasized that Trump still prioritizes diplomatic solutions and remains open to negotiations, but will not hesitate to use force if necessary. She noted that the president has made considerable efforts to reach a political solution with Tehran, adding that there is a "significant opportunity" for negotiations that may or may not take place in the coming period.

Regarding the nuclear file, Leavitt said Iran is now closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon, posing a threat to both the United States and the world. She stressed that the international community aligns with Trump’s firm opposition to Iran acquiring such weapons.

Leavitt described Trump as a "president of peace through strength," stating that he is not afraid to use military deterrence. She added that the proposal made by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff to the Iranians was “realistic and acceptable,” and that Iranian officials had shown interest in engaging with Washington.

Addressing the military situation, Leavitt affirmed that the U.S. administration is fully prepared to defend its interests anywhere in the world and currently sees no signs of Chinese military intervention in support of Iran.

Meanwhile, a senior U.S. official stated that Trump is taking into account the potential risks to American forces and civilians in the Middle East before making a final decision on launching an attack. He told reporters that military advisors are briefing the president on the consequences of any potential military action and confirmed that U.S. forces in the region have significantly reinforced their defensive and security measures in recent days.