Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 12, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 12, 2026
Trump leaning toward striking Iran as Vance urges diplomatic talks — WSJ
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US Vice President JD Vance (left) speaks as President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with oil executives in the East Room of the White House, January 9, 2026, in Washington. (AP/Evan Vucci)
US Vice President JD Vance is leading the push among a group of senior administration officials for President Donald Trump to give diplomatic talks with Iran a chance before taking military action in response to Tehran’s bloody crackdown on anti-government demonstrations, The Wall Street Journal reports.
American officials quoted by the newspaper say Trump hasn’t yet made up his mind but currently leans toward striking Iran, though he could shift course. Some of the officials say Trump may attack first and then look to hold talks with the Islamic Republic.
Despite Vance’s push for diplomacy, a person familiar with his thinking says the vice president is open to bombing Iran and views the country as a threat to the United States.
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