Trump Says Iran Wants to Negotiate Amid Protests | US Action Warned

Trump vs. Iran: A High-Stakes Game of Diplomacy and Warnings 

If you feel like the world is on edge right now, you aren't alone. As we move through January 12, 2026, the tension between Washington and Tehran has reached a boiling point that feels like a scene straight out of a political thriller. 

In a series of bold statements made aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump has revealed that the Iranian leadership—led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—has reached out seeking to negotiate. But, in classic Trump fashion, the offer of a meeting came with a heavy warning: the U.S. might just act before anyone even sits down at the table. 

The Context: Iran is Burning

For the past two weeks, Iran has been rocked by nationwide anti-government protests. What started as anger over soaring inflation and a collapsing economy has morphed into a direct challenge to the theocratic regime. According to reports from The Hindu, the death toll has tragically climbed to over 544 people, with thousands more detained. 

To keep the world in the dark, the Iranian government has imposed a near-total internet blackout. However, despite the digital silence, horrific videos have surfaced showing the scale of the crackdown. 

Trump's Revelation: "They Want to Negotiate" 

On Sunday, January 11, Trump told reporters that "The leaders of Iran called yesterday... they want to negotiate." He suggested that the regime is "tired of being beat up" by U.S. sanctions and military pressure. 

But here’s the kicker: while a meeting is reportedly being set up, Trump made it clear that his patience is thin. "We may have to act because of what's happening before the meeting," he cautioned, as reported by NBC News. 

What "Acting" Could Look Like

The White House isn't just talking. Recent reports from The Washington Post indicate that Trump has been briefed on several "strong options." These aren't just limited to more sanctions; they reportedly include: 

• Targeted military strikes on key facilities.
• Cyber operations to disrupt the regime's control.
• Starlink support (with help from Elon Musk) to restore internet access for protesters. 

The View from Tehran: "Ready for War" 

Unsurprisingly, Iran isn't backing down quietly. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated today that while Iran is "ready for dialogue," it is even more "prepared for war," as noted by The New York Times. Meanwhile, the Iranian Parliament has warned that U.S. bases and Israel would become "legitimate targets" if America intervenes. 

My Personal Take: Is This a Turning Point?

We’ve seen this "maximum pressure" tactic before, but the current internal unrest in Iran makes the situation far more unpredictable. Unlike previous years, the regime is facing a massive crisis at home while being squeezed from the outside. 

Trump is clearly trying to use the protests as leverage to force a deal that covers everything from nuclear enrichment to ballistic missiles. But with the U.S. already involved in high-profile actions elsewhere—like the recent strikes in Venezuela—the risk of a wider conflict is very real. 

Final Word

The next 48 hours could be some of the most critical for global security this year. Will we see a historic meeting, or will the sound of jets drown out the talk of diplomacy? Keep a close eye on the official NDTV world news updates as this story develops by the hour.

Do you think Trump should meet with the Iranian leadership right now, or should he wait for the protests to play out? Let's discuss in the comments.

Would you like me to track the specific "military options" being discussed or provide a deep dive into the 2026 Iran internet blackout?