Trump ‘Favors’ Attacking Iran, Vance Pushing Back, As President Pezeshkian In Streets For Large Counter-Protests

There are reports of a significant internal Trump administration divide over Iran policy, with Vice President Vance said to be leading the charge for the non-interventionist camp, which much of MAGA might welcome while seeing in Vance the top contender for 2028:

President Trump currently leans toward authorizing fresh military strikes on Iran, U.S. officials say, as the White House is weighing a last-ditch Iranian offer to engage in diplomacy over curbing its nuclear program.

Some senior administration aides, led by Vice President JD Vance, are urging Trump to try diplomacy before retaliating against Iran for killing protesters. Trump hasn’t made a final decision on what he will do and will meet with senior aides Tuesday to determine his approach.

Some in the U.S. doubt that Iran is genuine about ending its nuclear program, telling Trump that Tehran may be finding a way to buy time and avoid American airstrikes. Aides have briefed Trump on the benefits and pitfalls of renewed nuclear negotiations with Iran.

Trump currently favors attacking Iran, but could change his mind depending on unfolding developments. Some officials said Trump may strike first and then seek serious talks with Tehran. “We may have to act because of what is happening before the meeting,” he said Sunday.

But all of this might become moot, or else it could be said Trump will have an easy ‘out’ or offramp and not attack Iran, given the latest reports from inside the country show waning anti-govt protests. Instead, they’ve been supplanted by huge pro-government counter-demonstrations. “Millions” or at least hundreds of thousands, have come out for these ‘loyalist’ demonstrations. And even the country’s President Masoud Pezeshkian was out confidently and defiantly strolling the streets Monday…

Footage of Iranian Prez Pezeshkian participating in a pro-gov rally in Tehran https://t.co/2A2UIK8ZgM pic.twitter.com/Q412SWWYzx

— RT (@RT_com) January 12, 2026

One regional analyst and observer reacts to Monday’s developments, after a weekend security crackdown unleashed at least scores of casualties:

The Islamic Republic is sending two important signals here:

1. It retains control in large cities (or at least the ones/areas we’re getting footage from)

2. It can still countermobilize its base of support (and others forced to turn out) in large numbers. 

He concludes, “If this is it, these anti-regime protests may well fizzle out before long, although I’ve noted major ‘landmines’ ahead for the Islamic Republic in 2026.”

🎥 تصاویر هوایی از حضور حماسی مردم تهران pic.twitter.com/nUpnbBUWCo

— خبرگزاری فارس (@FarsNews_Agency) January 12, 2026

Another hugely important development on Monday, ultimately aimed at China…

And still “on the table”…

Air strikes on Iran 'ON THE TABLE' FOR TRUMP — Leavitt'Unafraid to use military optionsDiplomacy is always the first option for the president' pic.twitter.com/wmCsqa0QjG

— RT (@RT_com) January 12, 2026

READ MORE: Iran’s Food Shelves Emptying Out, ATMs Offline, Two Days Into Iran’s Internet Blackout

Source Zero Hedge