President Donald Trump announced a two-week deadline for Israel and Iran to negotiate a peace deal, as the two nations continue to exchange missile strikes in an escalating Middle East conflict.

The announcement comes as Israel intensifies its military operations against Iran’s nuclear facilities, while Iran retaliates with missile attacks, including one that struck an Israeli hospital.

According to the Daily Mail, Trump’s decision reflects his hope for a diplomatic resolution, though he has not ruled out U.S. military intervention if the deadline passes without progress.

The conflict, now in its seventh day, has caused significant casualties and heightened global tensions. Israel’s strikes have targeted key Iranian nuclear sites, such as Natanz, where uranium was enriched to 60% purity—a level close to weapons-grade—before parts of the facility were destroyed.

Iran, in response, launched missiles that hit a hospital in Beersheba, injuring at least 71 people. The Daily Mail reports that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, remains in contact with Iranian representatives, pursuing backchannel talks to de-escalate the situation.

Trump’s approach has sparked mixed reactions. While he has emphasized diplomacy, stating, “The President is always interested in a diplomatic solution to the problems in the global conflicts in this world,” his administration is also preparing for potential military action.

The Daily Mail notes that Trump convened his national security team to discuss the use of 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bombs on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, signaling the seriousness of U.S. considerations.

Meanwhile, oil prices have surged, with Brent crude rising to $77.76 a barrel, reflecting market concerns over the conflict’s impact on global stability.

The White House’s stance is complicated by domestic and international pressures. Some Republicans, including Senators Lindsey Graham and Representative Randy Fine, have cheered Israel’s actions, urging stronger U.S. support.

Conversely, prominent voices within Trump’s MAGA base, such as Tucker Carlson and Dave Smith, have criticized his apparent alignment with Israel, warning that military involvement could alienate his supporters.

Internationally, leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have condemned Israel’s strikes, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer cautioned against further escalation.

Trump’s deadline underscores his self-proclaimed role as a “peacemaker-in-chief,” as described by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

However, with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejecting calls for “unconditional surrender” and ongoing violence showing no signs of abating, the prospects for a swift resolution remain uncertain.

As the Daily Mail reports, the world watches anxiously as the two-week clock ticks down, with the potential for either a breakthrough in diplomacy or a dangerous escalation looming large.

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