Trump Iran Foreign Policy 2026: Pressure Mounts Amid Internal Unrest

How will Washington respond to a Tehran in turmoil? The Trump administration's next move regarding Iran is coming into focus as widespread protests shake the Islamic Republic. On January 13, 2026, former National Security Adviser John Bolton discussed the potential trajectory of U.S. strategy in an interview with NPR.

Trump Iran Foreign Policy 2026: The Bolton Perspective

Speaking with NPR's Rob Schmitz, John Bolton highlighted that the ongoing protests in Iran provide a significant opening for the Trump administration to reassert its influence. Bolton suggests that the regime's internal instability is a direct result of economic failure and political repression, validating the need for a renewed 'Maximum Pressure' campaign. It's expected that the U.S. will leverage these domestic tensions to push for more drastic concessions from Tehran.

Internal Chaos and the U.S. Response

The protests, which have been ongoing throughout early 2026, present a complex challenge. While the administration has officially stated its support for the Iranian people, critics argue that overt U.S. intervention could backfire. They worry it might allow the regime to frame the unrest as a foreign-led plot. Despite this, the Trump administration is reportedly weighing options that range from increased sanctions to diplomatic isolation at the United Nations.