US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Washington was considering “very strong options,” including possible military action, in response to Iran’s crackdown on anti-government protests.
“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,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Trump said Iran’s leadership had reached out seeking negotiations following his warnings of military action and that a meeting was being arranged. He added, however, that action could come before any talks take place.
“There may be a meeting, but we may have to act before a meeting,” he said.
There was no immediate comment from Iranian officials.
Iranian leaders earlier issued warnings against foreign intervention. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Sunday that any attack on Iran would make Israel, US military bases and American naval vessels in the region “legitimate targets.”
The protests began on Dec. 28 after merchants at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar shut their shops in protest against the sharp fall in the rial. Demonstrations quickly spread nationwide, evolving from anger over rising living costs into broader opposition to Iran’s clerical leadership, which has ruled since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iranian state media said at least 109 members of the security forces have been killed in the unrest. Opposition groups based outside Iran say the toll is significantly higher and includes hundreds of protesters.
Internet monitoring groups say Iran has imposed a nationwide internet blackout that has lasted more than 72 hours, raising concerns among rights groups about the scale of the crackdown.
President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that his government was “ready to listen” to protesters but accused “rioters” and “terrorist elements” of exploiting demonstrations. He also blamed the United States and Israel for fomenting unrest, comments broadcast by state media.
Quoted by Reuters, a US official said that Trump was scheduled to meet senior advisers on Tuesday to discuss Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported that options under consideration include military strikes, cyber operations, expanded sanctions and measures to support communications for protesters.
Trump also said he planned to speak with billionaire Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran, referring to Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink.
“He’s very good at that kind of thing,” Trump said.
