DATELINE: WASHINGTON D.C. / AIR FORCE ONE PUBLISHED: January 12, 2026

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump revealed late Sunday that the Iranian leadership has officially reached out to the United States to propose a new round of negotiations regarding its nuclear program.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling from Florida to Washington D.C., Trump confirmed that the outreach occurred on Saturday, January 10. “They called yesterday. Iran called to negotiate yesterday,” the President told the press pool. “I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States. Iran wants to negotiate.”

A Meeting in the Works

The President confirmed that a high-level meeting is currently “being set up,” though he refrained from giving a specific date or location. This diplomatic opening comes at a moment of extreme tension following the June 2025 precision strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities by U.S. and Israeli forces.

While the White House explores a “Peace through Strength” diplomatic route, Trump warned that he might still order military action before any meeting takes place, citing the regime’s escalating violence against its own people.

The “Red Line” and Rising Death Toll

The diplomatic overture follows 15 days of nationwide protests in Iran, sparked by the collapse of the rial and soaring inflation. Human rights groups, including the U.S.-based HRANA, report that the death toll has reached at least 544, with over 10,600 citizens detained.

“The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” Trump said, referencing the crackdown. He reiterated his warning that if the Iranian regime continue to “violently kill peaceful protesters,” the United States “will come to their rescue.”

Musk, Starlink, and Cyber Options

In a move to support the demonstrators, Trump informed the press pool he plans to contact Elon Musk to discuss activating Starlink satellite internet over Iran to bypass the regime’s current internet blackout.

The administration is reportedly weighing several options, including:

• Targeted Military Strikes: Aimed at IRGC command centers.

• Secret Cyberweapons: To disable the regime’s communications.

• Enhanced Sanctions: Pushing for a “total zero” on remaining Iranian exports.

Reactions from Tehran

Tehran has not yet publicly acknowledged the call for negotiations. Instead, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned Washington against a “miscalculation,” stating that any attack on Iran would make U.S. bases and ships “legitimate targets.”