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U.S. President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters during a meeting with Juventus players in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 18. / Source: Reuters-Yonhap News

U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 18 that while no final decision has been made on whether the United States will participate in a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the option remains on the table. At the same time, he signaled openness to negotiations with Tehran, framing his message as a stark choice for Iran between talks and confrontation.

Speaking to reporters during a meeting with Italian soccer club Juventus in the Oval Office, Trump stated, “I have ideas about what I might do, but I haven’t made a final decision.” He added, “I want to make that final decision one second before the deadline—because things change, especially in war.”

Trump emphasized he does not want war but would act if faced with a choice between conflict and allowing Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. “If I have to choose between fighting and letting them have nukes, I’ll do what needs to be done,” he said.

When asked whether he believes Iran’s theocratic regime, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, could collapse, Trump replied, “Absolutely. Anything can happen.”

He warned that Iran is “only weeks away” from developing nuclear weapons, underscoring what he sees as the urgency of the situation and implicitly justifying Israel’s recent strikes.

Still, Trump suggested a willingness to engage diplomatically, noting that the U.S. is open to meeting with Iranian officials and that dismantling the Fordow underground uranium enrichment site does not have to be a precondition for talks.

Earlier that day, Trump told reporters on the White House lawn, “I may or may not do it,” when asked about a U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites. “No one knows what I’ll do,” he said, before adding, “What I can say is that Iran is in big trouble and wants to negotiate.”

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US President Trump speaks to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 18. Behind him, workers are seen erecting a large U.S. flag display. / Source: Reuters-Yonhap News

Asked whether Iran had already reached out to initiate talks, Trump confirmed, “Yes. I told them it was too late. There’s a big difference between now and a week ago.”

But he later softened his stance: “Nothing’s too late,” leaving the door open to renewed diplomacy.

The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Iran had sent urgent messages via third countries, signaling a desire for the U.S. to resume nuclear talks and for Israel to halt mutual attacks.

When asked if he had issued an ultimatum to Tehran, Trump responded, “You could call it that—maybe even ‘the ultimate ultimatum.’”