Trump Administration Weighs Iran Military Options Amid Growing Protests 2026
The Trump administration confirms military options, including air strikes, are on the table as Iran faces massive protests. Get the latest on the US-Iran tension.
Diplomacy's the first option, but air strikes are firmly on the table. The Trump administration is escalating its rhetoric against Tehran as widespread protests continue to destabilize the Iranian government.
Trump Administration Iran Military Options Under Review
According to reports from Reuters and the AP, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on January 12, 2026, that air strikes remain one of "many, many options" for the commander in chief. While President Trump has hinted at private messages from Iran seeking negotiation, the public stance remains aggressive, citing the Iranian government's lethal crackdown on its citizens as a potential pretext for intervention.
Internal Friction and Regional Impact
The Wall Street Journal reported that internal debates are surfacing, with Vice President JD Vance and other officials reportedly urging for renewed diplomatic efforts instead of immediate kinetic action. On the ground, opposition activists estimate hundreds of protesters have been killed, though an ongoing internet blackout makes independent verification by agencies like Al Jazeera nearly impossible.
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