European powers have launched urgent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the Israel-Iran conflict, holding talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva, while U.S. President Donald Trump said he will decide within two weeks whether to join the war militarily.

Europe Tries to Broker Nuclear Compromise

Officials from the UK, France, and Germany met Araghchi on Friday in Geneva, hoping to restart talks on Iran’s nuclear program. French President Emmanuel Macron urged Iran to return to the table, while a Reuters report indicated Tehran may be willing to limit uranium enrichment—though not stop it entirely while under attack.

Araghchi blamed Israeli strikes for derailing progress and told the UN Human Rights Council that Iran had been preparing a new round of indirect talks with U.S. counterparts to “craft a promising agreement.”

Trump Pauses After Aggressive Rhetoric

President Trump, despite recent threats toward Ayatollah Khamenei and calls for mass evacuations in Tehran, has stepped back from immediate military action. “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations… I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” he said, via White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are coordinating with European and Middle Eastern counterparts, while Iran continues limited talks behind the scenes.

Israel Expands Military Campaign

Israel, however, shows no sign of easing its offensive. Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered continued attacks on Iran’s nuclear scientists and facilities and called for widespread evacuation in Tehran. The IDF confirmed new strikes on missile-production centers and Iran’s internal security and nuclear R&D headquarters.

Energy Minister Eli Cohen said Israel will block Iran from developing nuclear weapons "with or without" U.S. help.

Economic and Civilian Fallout Widens

Missiles landed in Tel Aviv and southern Israel, while Brent crude prices—though easing Friday—remain up 10% since the war began. Major airlines, including American and United, suspended Middle East routes. Shipping giant Maersk halted operations at Israel’s Haifa port.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned the region was on a knife’s edge: “A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution.”