Wall Street’s major indices opened higher on Friday, mirroring gains in global markets after President Donald Trump delayed a decision on potential U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran war. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 119.4 points, or 0.28%, to 42,291.09 at the open. The S&P 500 gained 18.8 points, or 0.31%, to start at 5,999.67, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 93.1 points, or 0.48%, to 19,639.41.
U.S. President Donald Trump will determine within the next two weeks whether the United States will become directly involved in the ongoing Iran-Israel war, the White House confirmed on Friday.
In a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed a message from the president, “Given the substantial possibility of negotiations with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision on potential U.S. involvement within the next two weeks.”
The announcement follows Trump’s earlier remarks indicating he had not yet decided on whether to join the conflict. When asked what message he had for concerned supporters, Leavitt urged Americans to “trust in President Trump,” emphasizing that his top priority is preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
Karoline Leavitt declined to comment on hypothetical scenarios, including Iranian officials might be invited to Washington or whether the president would seek congressional approval for any military action. The Trump administration continues to project strategic ambiguity, offering few details about its internal deliberations or possible moves. “I may do it,” Trump told reporters on Wednesday. “I may not do it..” Officials maintain that Iran is now closer than ever to building a nuclear weapon, reinforcing the high stakes behind Trump’s looming decision.