White House: ‘Substantial Chance’ of Renewed U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Amid Israel Conflict
After a week of speculation over whether President Donald Trump might order a military strike on Iran in support of Israel’s efforts to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear program, the White House now signals that diplomacy may be back on the table.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday there is a “substantial chance” for renewed negotiations with Iran, as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to meet European leaders in Geneva on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, Leavitt confirmed that U.S. and Iranian officials have already engaged in six rounds of direct and indirect talks since hostilities erupted between Israel and Iran on June 13.
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While she didn’t confirm whether U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff would attend the Geneva meetings, Leavitt hinted at growing momentum for talks. Asked whether Iranian officials could similarly travel to Washington, she replied, “I’m not going to get into hypotheticals, but as you heard from the president, they’ve expressed interest in doing so.”
President Trump, in a statement read by Leavitt, said he would decide “within the next two weeks” whether to escalate U.S. involvement in the conflict, citing the potential for a diplomatic breakthrough.
Although the president is hopeful for a negotiated solution, Leavitt stressed Trump remains firm: any deal must include a full halt to Iran’s uranium enrichment activities.
“IRAN HAS NEVER BEEN CLOSER” TO NUCLEAR WEAPONS, SAYS WHITE HOUSE
Leavitt warned of the growing danger posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating:
“Iran has all it needs to produce a nuclear weapon. The only thing missing is a decision from the Supreme Leader.”
According to intelligence assessments, she said, Iran could complete a weapon within weeks — a development that would pose an existential threat not only to Israel but also to the U.S. and the global community.
Despite this, Leavitt maintained that Iran will not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. She described the deal offered by Envoy Witkoff as “realistic and acceptable,” adding that it reflects the administration’s resolve to resolve the conflict without compromising U.S. security.
“Iran can and should make a deal — or face grave consequences,” she said. “They are in a weakened position due to Israeli strikes. We’ve offered them a practical way forward.”
EUROPEAN LEADERS TO MEET IRANIAN OFFICIALS IN GENEVA
Friday’s Geneva talks are expected to include French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, according to RFI.
Barrot told reporters:
“France, Britain, and Germany stand ready to contribute our experience to negotiations aimed at securing a lasting rollback of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.”
