Trump States US Considering Responses to Iran as Protest Casualties Increase

US Considers Response to Iran Amid Widespread Protests

Photographer: Mahsa/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images

Bloomberg reports that President Donald Trump announced the United States is carefully evaluating its options following reports of deadly government crackdowns during the third consecutive week of nationwide protests in Iran. Trump also noted that Iranian officials have reached out to initiate discussions.

Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump stated, “We are taking this very seriously. The military is reviewing the situation, and we are considering several robust responses. A decision will be made soon.”

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According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump is scheduled to meet with senior officials on Tuesday to discuss possible actions in response to the unrest. The options reportedly under consideration include military intervention, cyber operations, and new sanctions against Tehran. General Dan Caine, Chair of the Joint Chiefs, is expected to participate in the meeting.

The ongoing demonstrations, initially triggered by a severe currency crisis and economic downturn, have evolved into a direct challenge to Iran’s ruling establishment—the most significant since the 1979 revolution.

The Human Rights Activist News Agency, which monitors protests in 186 cities across all 31 Iranian provinces, reports that over 540 people have died and more than 10,000 have been detained. Widespread communication blackouts have made it difficult to fully assess the scale of the protests.

Diplomatic relations between the US and Iran have been severed since 1980, following the 1979 hostage crisis when Iranian militants stormed the US embassy in Tehran, holding staff captive for 444 days.

Trump mentioned that Iranian authorities reached out on Saturday to discuss potential negotiations.

“A meeting is being arranged,” Trump said, though he did not provide further specifics. “However, we may need to act before any talks take place, given the current situation.”

The president also revealed that the US is in communication with opposition groups and may explore ways to restore internet access in Iran, possibly through Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service.

“If possible, we’ll try to get the internet back online,” Trump told reporters. “I plan to contact Elon Musk as soon as this briefing ends.”

While President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for dialogue and reconciliation, other Iranian officials have threatened rapid trials and even capital punishment as the unrest continues and casualties rise.

Further Developments

Trump has publicly expressed support for the demonstrators and hinted at possible US military action against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s regime, causing concern among both allies and adversaries.

On social media, Trump posted, “Iran is seeking FREEDOM, perhaps more than ever before. The USA is ready to assist!!!”

In response, Iranian officials have warned both the US and Israel that any attack will be met with retaliation.

Reporting assistance by Se Young Lee and Philip Glamann.

(Story updated to include Trump’s upcoming briefing on potential US responses to Iran.)

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