Trump Weighs Iran Options as White House Splits Over Diplomacy, Sanctions, or Strikes

President Trump is weighing three competing strategies on Iran—diplomacy, economic pressure, or renewed military action—after the conflict became a political liability following the Republican midterm defeat. He has not yet chosen a path, warning, "Now we will make a decision." Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff advocate diplomacy, with Vance reportedly leading indirect contacts via Qatar and Pakistan. A second camp, including Marco Rubio and Scott Bessent, favors maintaining sanctions and blockade, though Bessent is also pursuing Chinese mediation. A third group, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Admiral Brad Cooper, backs major strikes, with Benjamin Netanyahu urging further attacks. The decision follows a war that hurt Republicans in the midterms, intensifying White House divisions. Trump's statement signals a choice may be imminent, though no timeline or preferred option has been publicly confirmed.