Former President Donald Trump has declared that Iran has sought negotiations following US threats of military strikes, as Washington considers a forceful response to Tehran's violent suppression of nationwide demonstrations.
Trump's Stark Warning and Potential Retaliation
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on January 12, 2026, Trump confirmed his administration is evaluating a spectrum of potential actions against the Islamic Republic. These options reportedly include direct military strikes and cyber-attacks, potentially carried out by the United States or its ally Israel.
"The military is looking at it, and we're looking at some very strong options," Trump stated. When questioned about Iran's own threats of retaliation, he issued a blunt warning: "If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they've never been hit before."
Mounting Crisis in Iran and Call for Talks
Despite discussions to arrange a meeting with Tehran, Trump signalled he may authorise action before any diplomatic engagement, citing the escalating human cost. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that more than 10,600 people have been detained during two weeks of unrest. With internet and phone lines severely disrupted, independent verification of the casualty figures remains extremely challenging; Iran's government has not released an official death toll.
"I think they're tired of being beat up by the United States," Trump added. "Iran wants to negotiate. The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what's happening before the meeting."
Iran's Defiant Posture and Regional Threats
In a stark parliamentary address, hardline speaker Mohammad Baagher Qalibaf framed the US military and Israel as "legitimate targets" should America use force. He directly threatened Israel, stating: "In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets."
Qalibaf emphasised that Iran would not wait to be attacked, saying, "We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat." His speech was met with chants of "Death to America!" from fellow politicians.
Ultimately, any decision to engage in open conflict rests with Iran's Supreme Leader, the 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Meanwhile, an Israeli official, speaking anonymously, confirmed Israel is "watching closely" as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensify.
