The White House has said the United States may launch airstrikes against Iran, but prefers a diplomatic solution.
Published January 12, 2026
US President Donald Trump’s administration continues to threaten Iran with military strikes, saying air strikes are one of “many options” being considered as widespread protests increase pressure on Tehran’s government.
White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said Monday that diplomacy is “always the first option,” but that a military strike is also “on the table.”
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“One of the things that President Trump is very good at is keeping all his options on the table, and air strikes will be one of many, many options on the commander-in-chief’s table,” Levitt told reporters.
Iran has been experiencing mass protests and riots, with security forces responding in recent days with a deadly crackdown that is estimated to have left hundreds dead. Iranian authorities said a number of security personnel were also killed in the violence.
Anti-government activists say the death toll is much higher, including hundreds of demonstrators. Al Jazeera cannot independently verify these figures. Details are difficult to confirm due to an internet outage.
President Trump, who bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities in June and has previously threatened Tehran with further attacks if it does not do more to align with U.S. demands, has used the government’s harsh crackdown on protesters as a pretext for further military attacks against its longtime enemy.
A U.S. attack on Iran would likely violate international law, and Trump has frequently threatened potential military strikes against countries that do not comply with his will.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing unnamed U.S. officials, that some members of the Trump administration, including Vice President J.D. Vance, are urging the president to consider new diplomatic efforts with Iran and less severe alternatives to a U.S. attack. The US president said on Sunday that Iran wanted to “make a call” and “negotiate”.
“What we’re hearing publicly from the Iranian regime is very different from the messages the regime is receiving privately,” Levitt said.
“The president has shown he is not afraid to use military options if deemed necessary, and no one knows that better than Iran.”
