Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late on Sunday, Trump said the issue was being taken seriously by both his administration and the military
United States President Donald Trump has said Washington is considering “strong options” in response to the protests in Iran, including the possibility of military intervention.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late on Sunday, Trump said the issue was being taken seriously by both his administration and the military.
“We’re looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination,” he said.
Trump added that Iran’s leadership had reached out to seek negotiations following his threats of military action, noting that a meeting was being arranged.
However, he cautioned that action could come before any talks take place.
“But we may have to act before a meeting,” he said.
His remarks came as Iranian officials issued sharp warnings against any military intervention. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that in the event of an attack on Iran, Israel as well as all US bases and ships would become “legitimate targets.”
The protests began on December 28 after traders at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar shut their shops to protest the sharp decline of the Iranian rial.
The demonstrations quickly spread across the country, with grievances expanding from economic hardships and rising living costs to broader opposition to Iran’s clerical leadership, which has governed since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iranian state media say at least 109 security personnel have been killed during the unrest, though authorities have not confirmed the number of civilian deaths. Opposition activists based outside Iran claim the death toll is higher and includes hundreds of protesters.
Monitoring groups report that a nationwide internet blackout has continued for more than 72 hours.
The unrest is unfolding as Trump advances an aggressive foreign policy agenda, having previously abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and discussed acquiring Greenland through purchase or force.
A US official told Reuters that Trump was scheduled to meet senior advisers on Tuesday to discuss Iran.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the options under consideration include military strikes, covert cyber operations, expanded sanctions and online support for anti-government groups.
Trump also said on Sunday that he plans to speak with billionaire Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran.
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