The White House has issued a stark warning that Iran is just weeks away from attaining nuclear capability, a development that would pose an “existential threat” not only to Israel but to all countries globally.

At the White House press briefing on June 19, 2025, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “Let’s be very clear, Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon. All they need is a decision from the Supreme Leader to do that, and it would take a couple of weeks to complete the production of that weapon.”

She emphasized that Iran getting a nuclear weapon “would pose an existential threat not just to Israel, but to the United States and to the entire world,” adding that is something every country including Russia, is in agreement with – that “Iran should not and cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.”

Leavitt noted there has been a lot of “speculation” in the media about President Trump’s “decision making” and whether the United States will be directly involved in attacking Iran. 

“I have a message directly from the President,” she said quoting President’s exact message, “Based on the fact that there is a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.”

Leavitt reiterated President Trump’s clear message that Iran must immediately cease uranium enrichment and abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Reflecting on the President’s long-standing views, she cited his previous remarks on Iran. In 2011, Trump declared, “America’s primary goal with Iran must be to destroy its nuclear ambitions,” and in 2015, he warned, “The problem is that Iran poses an existential threat to Israel, our Middle Eastern allies, and the United States.”

She added that President Trump has remained consistent throughout both of his terms in office. “That’s why he was adamantly opposed to the disastrous Iranian nuclear agreement that was implemented by President Obama, and that’s why he has given great latitude and given a lot of effort to achieving a diplomatic solution,” she said.

When asked whether China might come to Iran’s aid militarily, Leavitt responded, “I don’t believe we’re seeing any signs of that at this moment in time.”

Highlighting the President’s preference for diplomacy, coupled with a strong national defense posture, she stated, “I think the President has made it clear he always wants to pursue diplomacy,” adding, “But believe me, the President is unafraid to use strength necessary.”

She underlined the deterrent power of the U.S. military, saying Iran and the world should understand that the United States commands the strongest and most lethal fighting force globally, equipped with capabilities “that no other country on this planet possess.”

Leavitt also addressed other major policy issues, including the President’s efforts to curb illegal immigration and promote the “One Big Beautiful Bill” in the Senate.

On immigration, she highlighted President Trump’s rapid actions to “stop the illegal immigrant invasion and secure the border,” describing them as “one of the greatest achievements by a presidential administration in the history of our great country.”

She said that with illegal entries significantly reduced, the administration is escalating efforts to identify and deport millions of undocumented immigrants who entered the country during the Biden administration.

“President Trump has directed all of our ICE officers to do everything in their power to carry out the single largest mass deportation operation in history,” she added. “Illegal criminals who are hiding in America’s largest so called sanctuary cities will be increasingly targeted for removal. ICE officers are courageous heroes upholding the rule of law and keeping our citizens safe, and they have the full and unwavering support of this President.”

Turning to economic policy, Leavitt highlighted the continued push by Senate Republicans to advance the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” noting it would “drive growth and supercharge the American economy.” 

She said the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) projects the bill would increase take-home pay by nearly $14,000 annually for the average family of four. The CEA also estimates it would raise wages by up to $11,000 for the average American worker, permanently expand the child tax credit for more than 40 million families, eliminate taxes on tips and overtime, and deliver significant tax relief for senior citizens.

Leavitt summarized the bill as a “massive win for middle class Americans.”

Citing a new InsiderAdvantage poll, she emphasized growing public support for the administration. “A clear 54 percent majority of Americans approve of the job President Trump is doing,” she added. 

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