Trump to decide whether U.S. will strike Iran ‘within next two weeks’

The White House says President Trump will decide whether the U.S. will strike Iran "within the next two weeks."

The U.S. leader also reportedly says disabling Iran's nuclear site is necessary because of the risk of weapons being produced in a relatively short period of time.

Lee Seung-jae has more.

Amid growing speculation over U.S. involvement in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, the White House says President Donald Trump will decide "within the next two weeks" whether his country will strike Iran.

''Now, regarding the ongoing situation in Iran, I know there has been a lot of speculation amongst all of you in the media, regarding the president's decision making and whether or not the United States will be directly involved. In light of that news I have a message directly from the president and I quote: '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 a quote directly from the president for all of you today.''

The White House spokesperson added that Trump is always interested in a diplomatic solution, calling him " a peacemaker in chief," but noted that the U.S. leader is not afraid to use strength to achieve peace.

Meanwhile, according to CBS news, citing multiple sources, President Trump believes it's necessary to destroy the Fordow nuclear site.

The report says Trump had been briefed on both the risks and benefits of striking Iran's most secure nuclear site, and found it necessary to disable it, due to risks of weapons being produced in a relatively short period of time.

Trump approved attack plans on Iran on Tuesday, but has not yet made the final decision to join the conflict with strikes.

According to a Pentagon official, Trump held off on the decision to strike Iran, in case Tehran decides to abandon its nuclear program.

Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.