US officials, Vance urge Trump to try diplomacy before strikes on Iran, WSJ reports

The White House is weighing an offer from Tehran to engage in talks regarding its nuclear programme

US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance attend a meeting with oil industry executives, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, Jan 9, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Some senior aides in President Donald Trump's administration, led by Vice President JD Vance, are urging Trump to try diplomacy before strikes against Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing US officials.

The White House was weighing an offer from Tehran to engage in talks regarding its nuclear programme as Trump seemed to eye authorising military action against Iran.

A spokesman for Vance said the Journal's report was not accurate.

"Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio together are presenting a suite of options to the President, ranging from a diplomatic approach to military actions," said William Martin, Vance's communications director. "They are presenting those options without bias or favour."