Trump is waffling on Iran strikes. Here are four possible reasons why.

A giant banner is seen at Enghelab Square in Tehran, Iran, January 15, 2026. | Xinhua via Getty Images

Is help really “on its way” for Iran’s protesters?

That’s what President Donald Trump promised in a Truth Social post earlier this week, adding that “Iranians Patriots” should “KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!”

Trump first threatened that the US was “locked and loaded” to launch strikes on Iran if it continued killing protesters on January 2, and has followed up with several similar messages.