Trump Iran protests military tariffs.

President Donald Trump waves after arriving on Air Force One from Florida, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump holds off on military action against Iran’s protest crackdown as he ‘explores’ Tehran messages

President Donald Trump has arrived at a delicate moment as he weighs whether to order a U.S. military response against the Iranian government over its crackdown on protests. Trump has repeatedly threatened Tehran with military action if the Islamic Republic was found using deadly force against antigovernment protesters. But now, with Iranian officials indicating they want to have talks with the White House about the protests, the U.S. military appears to be on standby mode. Trump said Monday he would slap 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Tehran, a move that could affect China, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.

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