Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
20 June 2025 | 12:35 CAT
2-minute read

US President Donald Trump will decide whether or not to intervene in the Israel-Iran war within the next two weeks.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered the news in a White House press briefing:

“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.”

This announcement comes after Iran’s deputy foreign minister told a major news outlet it would cause major upheaval in the region if the US did get involved, adding, “This is not America’s war.”

Analysts indicate that the move could be a ruse to placate Iran and give them a false sense of security, so they will be caught off guard if and when the US strikes Iranian nuclear facilities.

In this week’s Middle East Report, political analyst James Dorsey unpacked the layers of confusion surrounding the situation, noting that President Trump is facing pressure both domestically and from allies abroad.

“More confusion. That’s what it comes down to,” Dorsey said. “Trump is dealing with serious problems at home with regard to Iran. His Make America Great Again base is split on this.”

According to Dorsey, Trump’s military advisors are also warning him that there’s no guaranteed success in striking Iran. On the ground, the situation remains volatile, with Israel continuing its bombing campaign and Iran retaliating despite its military disadvantage.

“They [Iran] lost their military command—both conventional and Revolutionary Guards—and yet, within hours, they had a new command in place and were launching missile barrages.”

Although Iran has shown resilience, Dorsey says the Islamic Republic is running out of viable options.

“They don’t have a fighting chance,” he said. “If they compromise on uranium enrichment, the last fig leaf of legitimacy of this government is gone.”

As Israel’s airstrikes continue, some analysts suggest the broader goal is not just the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities but a strategic push to force Iran into compliance with US and Israeli demands—possibly even inciting regime change.

“What they’re looking for is, first and foremost, the destruction of the nuclear programme,” Dorsey stated. “Whether that’s physical destruction or forcing Iran into a situation where it has to surrender its enrichment strategy.”

Listen to the Middle East Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.