The White House has issued a stark warning regarding Iran’s potential nuclear capabilities, stating that the country could produce a nuclear weapon in just a couple of weeks if given the directive from its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized this point during a briefing, asserting, “Let’s be very clear, Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon. All they need is a decision from the supreme leader to do that.”
Leavitt went on to explain the implications of such a development, indicating that it would pose an existential threat not only to Israel but also to the United States and the entire global community.
These remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, with the possibility of a significant increase in hostilities as both nations engage in military actions against each other.
The discourse surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions has been contentious, revolving around the timeline for moving from stockpiled enriched uranium to actually developing a functional nuclear weapon.
The last time an official breakout timeline was provided by the U.S. government was in July 2024. Then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that Iran could achieve nuclear-level enrichment in one to two weeks after reaching 90% purity.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also noted in an interview last month that once Iran’s uranium enrichment reaches 60%, the country would be nearly at the threshold of becoming a nuclear weapons state.
Despite these assessments, experts agree that while Iran may be close to producing weapons-grade uranium, the process of building a deliverable nuclear warhead could take anywhere from several months to two years.
In a recent hearing, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified that the intelligence community has determined that Iran is not currently in the process of constructing a nuclear bomb. She highlighted that Khamenei has not yet authorized the development of such a weapon.
When questioned about Gabbard’s testimony, President Donald Trump expressed skepticism, stating, “I don’t care what she said, I think they were very close to having one.” Gabbard later clarified that she and Trump share the perspective that Iran is indeed close to obtaining a nuclear weapon, despite contradictions in their statements.
The intelligence committee has reported that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium is at an unprecedented level for a country without nuclear weapons, a development that raises concerns among international observers.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are on President Donald Trump as he navigates the situation. Israel has vowed to intensify its military response following an Iranian missile strike on a hospital in Beersheba.
In light of these developments, the White House stated that Trump is expected to make a pivotal decision regarding potential military action against Iran within the next two weeks.
Leavitt quoted the president, saying, “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.”
Reports suggest that Trump has met with advisors in the Situation Room three times this week, following his early departure from the G7 summit amid increasing tensions in the Middle East. Although he has approved various military attack plans, the president is awaiting further negotiation developments with Iran before making a final decision.
Trump is scheduled for another Situation Room meeting on Friday before attending a private fundraiser in Bedminster, New Jersey. He will return to the White House on Saturday afternoon for additional intelligence briefings in the evening and Sunday.
Leavitt indicated that Trump’s decision-making will involve weighing diverse pressures from his party’s factions, reflecting a divide between isolationists and staunch supporters of Israel.
“Look, the president hears all voices across the country, and he makes decisions based on his instincts. He has always said diplomacy is his first option,” Leavitt remarked.
When asked by ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce about the rationale for believing in possible negotiations, Leavitt refrained from providing details on Trump’s thinking, stating, “I’m not going to get into the reasoning and the rationale. The president believes that, but that’s his position and he will make a decision within the next two weeks.”
The White House confirmed ongoing communications between the United States and Iran, although there was no update on whether U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff would attend discussions planned in Geneva with European leaders and Iranian representatives.
Furthermore, Israel has made assertive statements about the need for Iran’s supreme leader to be removed from power, raising questions about whether Israel is seeking regime change. When pressed on this matter, Leavitt reiterated the U.S. position: “The president’s top priority right now is ensuring that Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon and providing peace and stability in the Middle East.”
As the situation evolves, the world watches closely, aware that the outcomes of these deliberations could shape the future of nuclear proliferation and geopolitical stability in the region.
image source from：6abc
