Donald Trump Issues Final Two Week Ultimatum To Iran After Unconditional Surrender Warning

Washington: US President Donald Trump has issued a chilling two-week ultimatum to Iran amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel. According to the White House, Trump will decide within the next two weeks whether the United States will intervene in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The latest development has come up amidst speculations of the US joining the conflict with Iran in support of Israel. 

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump believes there is "a substantial chance of negotiation" with Iran, and his decision will be based on the progress of these possible talks. In a statement read aloud by Leavitt, Trump said, "Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiation that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go in the next two weeks." In the meantime, Trump's ultimatum has led to discussions, with some lawmakers questioning whether the US President is serious about diplomacy or merely using it as a tactical plan.

The US President's stance on the conflict has been marked by mixed signals in the past few days, with some interpreting his statements as leaning towards military action. On Wednesday, Trump said, "I may do it, I may not do it. I can tell you this, that Iran's got a lot of trouble, and they want to negotiate." However, Iran has denied offering to send officials to Washington, with its mission to the United Nations posting on X, "No Iranian official has ever asked to grovel at the gates of the White House."

Meanwhile, after Donald Trump’s announcement, the world is on high alert, with speculations rife regarding further escalation of the conflict into a full-fledged war. The US direct intervention into the conflict is speculated to lead to a massive war in the Middle East, with several countries coming to the support of Iran as well. The chilling announcement comes amid a series of airstrikes by Israel on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran's retaliation with rocket attacks.

Military Options Remain On Table: White House

Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump acknowledged the possibility of diplomatic talks despite the escalating tensions in the Middle East. She also reiterated the administration's stance on Iran's nuclear programme, saying, "No enrichment of uranium and... Iran is absolutely not able to achieve a nuclear weapon. The President has been very clear about that." The comments come amid heightened tensions following nearly a week of military strikes between Israel and Iran.

Earlier, Trump dismissed suggestions that he had already approved a military plan and reiterated his preference for a diplomatic resolution, stating, "I'm not looking to fight. But if it's a choice between fighting and having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do."

The conflict escalated on June 12, when Israel launched 'Operation Rising Lion', targeting Iran's nuclear and military facilities. The White House maintained that while military options remain on the table, diplomatic engagement with Iran is still possible. However, Trump is expected to make his final decision on the matter within the next two weeks.

Iran's Nuclear Ambitions

During her address, Leavitt stressed on US President Trump's long-standing position on Iran's nuclear ambitions, stating that "nobody should be surprised" by his stance that “Iran absolutely can't obtain a nuclear weapon”. She stated that the US president has been unequivocally clear about this for decades, not just as president, but also as a presidential candidate and private citizen. 

The US has been engaged in diplomatic efforts with Iran, with Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy for Middle East affairs, meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman. These talks aimed to find a peaceful resolution to the standoff, with the US prepared to consider an interim agreement provided Iran freezes its nuclear activities and agrees to intrusive inspections. Oman's neutral stance and stable leadership make it an ideal location for these sensitive negotiations.

As per reports, the nature of these discussions remains unclear, but they showed Washington's dual-track approach, maintaining open diplomatic lines while preparing for possible military involvement. Meanwhile, the outcome of these diplomatic efforts will have big implications for regional stability, nuclear non-proliferation, and global energy markets. 

Iran's Khamenei Rejects Trump’s ‘Unconditional Surrender’ Warning

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected Trump's call for "unconditional surrender," warning that the US would face "irreparable damage" if it intervenes in the conflict. Khamenei stressed that Iran was determined to defend itself against any aggression, stating, "This nation will never surrender." He also warned that Iran would show "no mercy" to Israel, vowing a strong response to the Zionist regime.

Russia, China Condemn Israeli Attack On Iran

The conflict between Israel and Iran has reached a boiling point, with both nations engaging in a series of attacks. Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes, including one that hit an Israeli hospital in Beersheba. Amidst the escalating conflict, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz called for the elimination of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating, "Khamenei openly declares that he wants Israel destroyed, he personally gives the order to fire on hospitals. He considers the destruction of the state of Israel to be a goal. Such a man can no longer be allowed to exist."

The conflict between Israel and Iran has been intensifying over the past week, with both sides trading missile and drone attacks on each other.

The entire world has been eyeing the developments in the Middle East, with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly condemning Israeli strikes on Iran. As per reports, in a phone call, Xi and Putin discussed the urgent need for a ceasefire and an end to attacks on civilians, asserting that the use of force is not the right way to resolve international disputes. Both leaders have agreed to issue orders to their relevant agencies to share information on Iran.

Meanwhile, the intense Middle East conflict has drawn global concern, with Russia warning Washington that entering the conflict would be “an extremely dangerous step”. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the conflict is taking place against the backdrop of the Gaza war, which has been ongoing for the past 20 months. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Iran will "pay a heavy price" for the hospital attack, signalling no end in sight to the hostilities.

Indian Evacuations From Iran

Meanwhile, India has launched ‘Operation Sindhu’ to evacuate its citizens from Iran and Israel. MBBS student Mir Khalif, who was evacuated from war-hit Iran, described the harrowing experience, saying, "We saw missiles in the sky and heard bombs in our neighbourhood... We were petrified." The first evacuation flight carried 110 Indian students from the Urmia University of Medical Sciences in Iran's Urmia city.

The conflict could escalate into a wider war, drawing in other countries and possibly triggering a humanitarian crisis. The US decision on whether to intervene will likely play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the conflict. Amidst Trump’s unclear stance on the Middle East conflict, the world hopes that diplomacy will prevail over military action.

Further details regarding the ongoing tensions are awaited.