Trump to decide within two weeks on strike against Iran’s Fordow nuclear site

President Donald Trump announced that he will decide within the next two weeks whether to authorize a military strike on Iran’s deeply buried Fordow uranium enrichment facility, after being briefed on both the risks and potential impact of using U.S. bunker‑buster bombs. The White House emphasized that while Trump views disabling the site as necessary to prevent weapons development, he is weighing military options alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Trump’s caution follows concern among advisers that striking Fordow could escalate hostilities and replicate the instability seen in Libya after its 2011 intervention. The president reportedly wants to allow negotiations a chance to progress before issuing any strike order.

The Fordow site, constructed deep within a mountain south of Tehran, presents formidable challenges. Military analysts and Israeli officials have questioned whether even the U.S. Massive Ordnance Penetrator—a 13.6‑ton bunker‑buster—is sufficient to neutralize the facility, deepening concerns about operational feasibility.

Trump affirmed his readiness to take action if Iran refuses diplomatic overtures. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated: “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations … I will make my decision … within the next two weeks.”

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes targeting multiple Iranian nuclear and military sites earlier this month, including its Arak heavy‑water reactor, prompted Iran to retaliate with missile and drone strikes. A missile strike on a hospital in southern Israel struck a military target, according to Iran, but drew widespread condemnation internationally.

European foreign ministers are due to meet Iranian counterparts in Geneva this week, aiming to defuse tensions and seek substantive concessions in Tehran’s nuclear program. White House officials have said that diplomacy remains the preferred route for now, though military preparedness continues.