The U.S. president has repeatedly threatened Tehran with military action if his administration found the Islamic Republic was using deadly force against antigovernment protesters. Trump on Sunday told reporters he believed Iran is “starting to cross” that line and has left him and his national security team weighing “very strong options” even as he said the Iranians had made outreach efforts to the U.S. But on Monday, the president’s team offered guarded hope that diplomatic solution could be found. China, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Brazil and Russia are among economies that do business with Tehran. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key White House National Security Council officials began meeting Friday to develop options for Trump, ranging from a diplomatic approach to military strikes.

Source: Indian Express January 14, 2026 06:17 UTC