Donald Trump has reportedly been briefed on military options for potential strikes against Iran after expressing his willingness to support the protesters facing violent suppression by the Iranian regime.
Although no final decision has been made, sources close to the former president say he is actively considering military action in response to the brutal crackdown on demonstrators, who have been protesting the economic hardship fueled by rampant hyperinflation in the country.
The situation in Iran has escalated rapidly, with widespread protests erupting in Tehran and other cities, as the people voice their frustration with the economic crisis and the oppressive theocratic regime.
As tensions rise, the United States has been closely monitoring the situation, with Trump making his stance clear by offering support for the protesters.
Strikes on Iran: The Options on the Table
Sources close to Trump have disclosed that the former president has been presented with several military options, including potential airstrikes on nonmilitary sites in the Iranian capital, Tehran.
These measures are being considered in response to the Iranian regime’s violent response to the protests, where reports suggest that hundreds of demonstrators have been killed by security forces.
The possibility of targeting certain nonmilitary areas is part of an effort to apply pressure on the regime without escalating into full-scale warfare.
The U.S. government’s involvement has become more likely after images from Iranian hospitals showed “bodies piled up” from the latest wave of violence, as protesters continue to face a deadly crackdown.
Iran’s government has framed the protests as an “enemy of God” movement, threatening death for participants, a stance that has led to increased global calls for intervention.
Iran’s Warning: Retaliation for U.S. Strikes
In response to any potential U.S. military action, Iran has issued a stern warning that American military personnel and assets will become “legitimate targets” if a strike is launched.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, made this declaration during a speech to lawmakers in Tehran, where he further escalated tensions by calling for a “death to America” rallying cry in the chamber.
Qalibaf emphasized that any attack on Iranian soil would trigger retaliation not only against U.S. military centers but also against U.S. allies in the region.
“In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centers, bases, and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets,” he stated.
This marks a stark shift in the rhetoric coming from Tehran, which previously had been relatively restrained compared to the current climate of hostility.
Trump’s Tough Talk on Iran
Trump has been vocal in his support for the Iranian protesters, posting a message on his Truth Social platform over the weekend.
In his statement, he suggested that Iran was “looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before,” and reiterated that the U.S. “stands ready to help.”
His comments echoed a previous warning he issued to Iran, threatening severe consequences if the regime continued to engage in mass killings during the ongoing protests.
The White House has been tight-lipped about the specifics of the discussions regarding military action, but sources have confirmed that the administration has held “preliminary discussions” about potential strikes.
Meanwhile, the State Department issued a stern message to Iran, warning: “Do not play games with President Trump.
When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”
The US’s Previous Military Actions Against Iran
This isn’t the first time Trump has authorized military strikes on Iranian targets.
Last year, in June 2025, the U.S. carried out Operation Midnight Hammer, which involved airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear facilities.
The operation utilized B-2 Spirit stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles fired from U.S. Navy submarines to hit key sites, including the Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant and the Natanz Nuclear Facility.
While these strikes were aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, they also sent a strong message to Tehran regarding U.S. willingness to act decisively.
The latest round of discussions seems to follow this pattern, with Trump signaling that he is prepared to escalate the situation if necessary.
Rising Death Toll Amid Information Blackout
The ongoing protests in Iran have taken a deadly turn, with reports indicating that at least hundreds of protesters have been killed by Iranian security forces.
In addition, thousands more have been detained, with the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimating that 2,600 individuals are currently imprisoned.
These figures continue to rise as the Iranian regime fights to suppress the uprising.
The situation is complicated by an internet blackout that has made it increasingly difficult for those outside of Iran to gauge the full scale of the unrest.
The lack of communication has also hampered efforts to track the safety of protesters and activists, with many fearing that the Iranian government’s hard-line security forces will take even more extreme measures without international scrutiny.
Iran’s Vulnerability After June Conflict with Israel
Though the rhetoric from Tehran has been increasingly belligerent, many are questioning how serious Iran is about launching an all-out strike, especially in the wake of its defeat in June 2025 during a 12-day war with Israel.
Iran’s air defenses were significantly degraded during the conflict, and many analysts believe the Islamic Republic may be hesitant to provoke another military confrontation at this time, especially given its current vulnerability.
That said, any decision regarding military action will ultimately rest with Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been known for his unwavering stance against both the U.S. and Israel.
The final outcome of this crisis hinges on his response to the mounting pressures, both domestically and from international actors.
U.S. Military Presence in the Middle East
The U.S. military has been bolstering its presence in the Middle East, positioning forces across the region in anticipation of potential escalation.
The U.S. military has made it clear that its priority is to protect U.S. forces, allies, and interests, with the 5th Fleet stationed in Bahrain and forces at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on high alert.
The presence of American military assets in the region adds to the complexity of any potential conflict.
If the U.S. decides to take action against Iran, it is likely to face significant retaliation, not only from Iran but potentially from its allies, including proxy forces in Iraq and Syria.
With tensions rising, both Israel and the U.S. are watching the situation closely, with Israeli officials reportedly in contact with U.S. leaders to discuss strategy moving forward.
Israel and the U.S. Stand Together on Iran
While Israel has not yet taken military action, the country is carefully monitoring the situation.
Israeli officials have indicated that they are closely aligned with the U.S. on the issue of Iran, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly discussing the developments with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Despite Israel’s own security concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the country has refrained from taking direct military action as of now.
As the situation unfolds, both countries continue to coordinate their responses to ensure that any action taken is part of a unified strategy to prevent further instability in the region.
What’s Next for Iran and the Middle East?
The next steps in this crisis are far from clear.
While Trump’s rhetoric indicates that he is willing to escalate matters if necessary, many questions remain about how Iran will respond to potential U.S. action.
As both sides prepare for what could be a dangerous escalation, the international community is watching closely to see how this volatile situation develops.
The coming days may bring critical decisions that could reshape the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
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