U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a range of potential military options in response to ongoing deadly protests in Iran, according to U.S. officials. He is weighing action following threats to strike the Iranian regime should it use lethal force against civilians.
Trump Weighs Military Options in Iran
Trump has received briefings in recent days on various intervention plans as violence in Iran has resulted in dozens of deaths and arrests. Some discussions have included options that do not involve direct U.S. military force, officials said.
Several options presented to the president focus on targeting Tehran’s security services, which are being used to suppress the protests. However, concerns exist within the administration that military strikes could backfire and potentially strengthen support for the Iranian government or provoke retaliation from Iran.
The president has not made a final decision, but is seriously considering action as the death toll continues to rise. Officials stated that any potential intervention would not involve deploying troops to Iran.
U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports 116 people have been killed since protests began across all 31 of Iran’s provinces two weeks ago. The full extent of casualties remains unclear due to a nationwide shutdown of internet and telephone access by Iranian authorities.
“Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before,” Trump posted on social media Saturday. “The USA stands ready to help!!!”
On Friday, Trump told reporters that the U.S. would “get involved” if Tehran engaged in deadly violence against protesters. “I’ve made the statement very strongly that if they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved,” he said. “And that doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts.”
International Discussions
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Saturday about the ongoing protests, as well as the situations in Syria and Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated Sunday it is “monitoring developments” in Iran. “The protests are an internal Iranian matter. Nevertheless, the IDF is prepared defensively and is continuously improving its capabilities and operational readiness,” an IDF spokesperson said.
Netanyahu is scheduled to convene a limited security consultation Sunday evening, with developments in Iran and Lebanon as key agenda items.
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