White House: Trump wants a peaceful solution to Iran, but is not afraid to use force

"Based on the fact that negotiations with Iran are very likely in the near future, I will decide within the next two weeks whether to intervene," Levitt, the White House press secretary, told reporters, citing Mr. Trump. Mr. Levitt said Mr. Trump was interested in seeking a diplomatic solution with Iran, but his priority was to ensure that Iran could not obtain a nuclear weapon. Any deal would have to prohibit Tehran from enriching uranium and eliminate Iran's ability to build a nuclear weapon. "The president is always interested in diplomatic solutions, he's a peacemaker. So if there's a diplomatic opportunity, the president always takes it. But I have to add that he's also not afraid to use force." Mr. Levitt declined to say whether Mr. Trump would seek congressional authorization for any strike against Iran. She said Washington remained confident that Iran had never been closer to obtaining a nuclear weapon. Levitt said Trump had been briefed on Israel's actions on Thursday and that Iran would face serious consequences if it did not agree to halt its nuclear weapons work.