Trump Considers Military Action Amid Escalating Protests in Iran

Mon Jan 12 2026 15:23:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following a wave of anti-government protests in Iran resulting in hundreds of deaths, President Trump hints at 'very strong' military options as tensions grow.

Amidst ongoing protests in Iran that have reportedly claimed nearly 500 lives, President Trump has expressed that the US military is contemplating 'very strong options'. The protests, driven by economic grievances, have been met with violent crackdowns by Iranian authorities and have raised international concerns about further intervention.

President Donald Trump says the US military is considering very strong options in Iran, as anti-government protests which have reportedly killed hundreds enter a third week.

The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) has verified the deaths of nearly 500 protesters and 48 security personnel in Iran, though sources indicate the actual death toll could be much higher.

Trump has threatened to intervene and noted on Sunday that Iranian officials had reached out to negotiate; however, he added, we may have to act before a meeting.

Iranian leaders have labeled the demonstrators as vandals and have called supporters to join pro-government marches.

The Iranian government has also declared three days of mourning for what it calls martyrs killed in a national battle against the US and Israel, viewing these nations as instigators of unrest.

These protests originated from frustrations over the declining value of the Iranian currency and have now grown into a crisis of legitimacy for Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

While Trump hasn't detailed specific military options, possibilities include air strikes, cyber warfare against Iran's military, or enhanced sanctions, as reported by various US officials.

The protests, the largest since the 2022 uprising sparked by Mahsa Amini's death in custody, have resulted in over 10,600 detentions, with many reports indicating a severe and escalating crackdown by the regime.

Iran's parliament speaker has warned against US intervention, asserting that if military action occurs, US and Israeli military targets in the region would be legitimate targets. Trump, meanwhile, has committed to discussing internet access issues with Elon Musk to assist Iranians trying to communicate amidst ongoing restrictions.

As violence continues, with tens of thousands reportedly involved in demonstrations, eyewitnesses report distressing scenes of casualties, with morgues overwhelmed as bodies accumulate. The situation remains dire as Iranian authorities work to suppress dissent and maintain control.