ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - US President Donald Trump indicates he will decide on Iran “within the next two weeks,” emphasizing that there are “substantial” chances for negotiations with Tehran, as the Islamic Republic and its arch-foe Israel continue exchanging fire nonstop for nearly a week.

 

“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,” reads a message from US President Donald Trump.

 

Tensions have escalated between Iran and Israel in recent days, after Israel launched a large-scale offensive early Friday, targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities across the country, killing dozens of high-profile military commanders and nuclear scientists.

 

Iran has responded to the strikes, firing hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones toward Israeli territories, most of which have been intercepted by Israel’s air defenses.

 

Trump’s new remarks on Iran came a day after he said they had “run out” of patience with Iran, asking for Tehran’s “unconditional surrender,” while noting that the upcoming week will be “very big” regarding the Iran-Israel conflict.

 

Citing European and Middle Eastern officials, the Wall Street Journal on Monday reported that Iran has signaled its desire to resume nuclear talks and end the hostilities in messages conveyed to the US through Arab intermediaries.

 

In the meantime, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he would welcome "all help” to destroy Iran's nuclear sites.

 

Tel Aviv is "capable of striking all of Iran's nuclear facilities" but "all help is welcome", Netanyahu told public broadcaster Kan, also saying that Trump "will do what is good for the United States, and I will do what is good for the State of Israel."

 

The escalations came days before Tehran and Washington were set to enter a sixth round of nuclear talks, mediated by Oman. The meeting was cancelled in light of the attacks.

 

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday described the Israeli attack as a “foolish and malicious aggression,” asserting that Iran will stand firm against an “imposed war,” and warned that any US military intervention in the Iran-Israel war will cause them “irreparable damage.”