On Thursday, the White House delivered a stark warning: if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gives the go‐ahead, Iran could build a nuclear bomb in “a couple of weeks.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that Iran already has the material and technology—it just needs a political green light
Her message underlined the urgency: such a weapon would pose an “existential threat” not only to Israel, but to the United States and the world.
How Close Is Iran Really?
According to Leavitt, Iran has amassed enough weapons‑grade uranium, meaning that once Khamenei decides, a nuclear device could be assembled in a few weeks.
Intelligence officials say the principles of breakout timing remain: once Tehran chooses to weaponize, the process is swift—and dangerous.
Conflict Intensifies: Israel vs Iran
The nuclear warning comes amid a spiraling crisis between Israel and Iran that began on June 13.
- Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, hitting over 100 Iranian sites—nuclear, military, and command centers—in Tehran, Natanz, Arak, Isfahan, and Tabriz, aiming to disrupt Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
- As part of this attack, Mossad-backed drones sabotaged Iranian missile launchers from within Iran.
Iran’s Retaliation
- Iran retaliated with a barrage of over 150 ballistic missiles and 100 drones aimed at Israeli cities like Beersheba and Tel Aviv.
- A Sejjil missile struck Soroka Medical Center near Beersheba, wounding dozens and causing a suspected chemical leak.
- Unconfirmed reports indicate around 639 Iranian deaths, including scientists and commanders, while Israeli officials say more than 240 civilians were injured.
Washington’s Role
While the White House warns of nuclear danger, President Donald Trump is set to decide within two weeks whether the U.S. will provide military support to Israel or act unilaterally.
Leavitt stated the goal: “Prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.” Diplomacy remains the preferred option, but military intervention is under serious consideration.
Israel’s Hard Line
Israel’s leadership remains firm:
- Defense Minister Israel Katz labeled Khamenei a “modern Hitler” and said he “should no longer continue to exist”
- Prime Minister Netanyahu echoed support for Trump’s approach, saying Israel trusts his judgment as the U.S. debates military engagement.
Why This Matters
- Nuclear risk: With Iran so close to building a bomb, global security hangs in the balance.
- Regional war: The missile and drone exchanges risk dragging in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Gulf nations.
- Major power involvement: U.S., Europe, China, and Russia are all maneuvering to shape the outcome. The White House warning escalates the pressure on Iran—and on any would-be diplomats.
Future prospects
In the next two weeks, the world looks to:
- Whether President Trump will authorize strikes or send military aid.
- Whether Geneva diplomacy can pull Iran back into nuclear talks.
- Whether Iran’s supreme leader will green‑light or halt weaponization.
A single decision by Khamenei—but also by the White House and global diplomacy—could either spark a wider war or open the door to a fragile peace.
Conclusion:
The White House’s warning—Iran is weeks away from a nuclear bomb—adds urgency to a war that has already burned for a week. As missiles fly and diplomacy falters, the world holds its breath: will military force or dialogue define the next moment?
