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Some senior officials in President Donald Trump’s administration, led by Vice President JD Vance, are reportedly encouraging diplomacy with Iran before considering military strikes, according to the Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials. The White House was assessing an Iranian proposal to discuss its nuclear program as Trump appeared to contemplate authorizing military action against Iran.
A Vance spokesperson stated that the report was inaccurate. “Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio are presenting the president with multiple options, ranging from diplomatic efforts to military action,” said William Martin, Vance’s communications director. “These options are being offered objectively, without bias or favoritism.”
This news comes a day after Iran indicated it was maintaining open communication channels with the U.S., even as President Trump pondered his response to Iran’s handling of nationwide protests. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi mentioned that Tehran was considering ideas proposed by Washington, though he noted these proposals were “incompatible” with U.S. threats. He added, “Communication between (U.S. Special Envoy Steve) Witkoff and me continued before and after the protests, and discussions are ongoing.”
Adding to the tension, Trump announced late Monday that any country engaging in business with Iran, a significant oil exporter, would face a new 25% tariff on US-bound exports. “This order is final and binding,” Trump stated on social media, though he did not specify the legal authority he would invoke or whether the tariffs would apply to all of Iran’s trading partners.
The White House did not respond to inquiries regarding this announcement. Iran’s U.N. mission declined comment. Already under substantial U.S. sanctions, Iran exports most of its oil to China, with Turkey, Iraq, the UAE, and India among its major trading partners.
Meanwhile, despite the broad internet blackout in Iran, some citizens continue to access Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service. Three sources inside Iran confirmed that Starlink remains operational in various locations, especially in border towns and cities, where users report minimal disruption. Alp Toker, founder of NetBlocks, noted that while service is inconsistent, it continues to be accessible.
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