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

On June 20, White House press secretary Levitt quoted Trump as telling reporters: "Based on the fact that there is a high possibility of negotiations with Iran in the near future, I will decide whether to intervene in the next two weeks." Levitt said Trump is interested in seeking a diplomatic solution with Iran, but his top priority is to ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons. Any agreement would have to ban Tehran from uranium enrichment and eliminate Iran's ability to build nuclear weapons. "The president is always interested in diplomatic solutions, he is a peacemaker. Therefore, if there is a diplomatic opportunity, the president will always seize it. But I must add that he is not afraid of the use of force either. Levitt declined to say whether Trump would seek congressional authorization for any strikes against Iran. Washington remains convinced, she said, that Iran has never come closer to acquiring nuclear weapons. Levitt said Trump had been briefed on Israel's actions on Thursday and would face serious consequences if Iran did not agree to halt its nuclear weapons work.