Many protested outside Iranian Mission to U.N. in NYC in support of Israel
MANHATTAN (WABC) -- Pro-Israel demonstrators rallied outside the Iranian mission to the U.N. on the East Side on Thursday and say the time for talking is done.
As Israel and Iran exchange missile strikes, the world is watching and waiting to see how America will respond.
As President Trump weighs one of the most consequential decisions of his second term, he is apparently still holding out for a diplomatic resolution.
"I have no doubt that America will do the right thing. Peace through strength," Pro-Israel demonstrator Dov Hikind said.
"I have a message directly from the President, and I quote, 'based on the fact that there's 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.'" White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
Regardless of a decision of whether or not to strike Iran, the U.S. military is positioning aircraft carriers and strike groups in the region and the President has been briefed on weapons and assets needed to protect U.S. troops.
Senior administration officials tell ABC News, "He wants to give the Iranians some room to come to their senses."
"Is he saying that if Iran does not come back to the negotiating table within the next two weeks, that the President will strike?" Leavitt was asked.
"The President is saying that he will make a decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks," Leavitt said.
The seemingly firm timetable comes as the conflict rages, as Iran carried out a direct strike on a major hospital in Israel, also hitting a high-rise in Tel Aviv, injuring at least 240 civilians.
The IDF retaliated by striking dozens of sites in Iran, most notably a key nuclear reactor.
With broader conflict on the horizon, back in the States, some argue that the United States has no business there.
"It's horrendous that my country has once again has greenlighted an invasion," counterdemonstrator Anthony Donovan said.
"We've been waiting for decades for diplomacy to rescue us from the evil of the evil alliance led by the Islamic Republic of Iran," Syrian Activist Rawan Osman said.
Iran has vowed not to surrender, but after losing some of its senior leadership and nuclear policy experts, the President may be giving them time to make a deal.
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
