US President Donald Trump is weighing a range of potential military options in response to deadly protests in Iran, according to two US officials, as he considers following through on recent threats to strike the Iranian regime if it uses lethal force against civilians.
The president has been briefed in recent days on different intervention plans as violence across the country has led to dozens of deaths and mass arrests. Several of the options presented focus on targeting Tehran’s security services, which are being used to suppress the protests.
However, concerns remain within the administration that military strikes could backfire and weaken the protest movement. Officials fear such action could unintentionally rally public support around the Iranian government or prompt Iran to retaliate militarily.
Trump is also reviewing alternatives short of direct military strikes as part of a broader effort to support protesters. These options include cyber operations targeting Iranian military or regime-linked systems, potentially disrupting efforts to crack down on demonstrations.
Other measures under consideration include new sanctions against senior regime figures or key sectors of Iran’s economy, including energy and banking.
The administration has also explored providing technology such as Starlink to improve internet access in Iran, helping protesters bypass information blackouts. Similar connectivity support was offered by the US during protests in Iran in 2022.
Multiple US agencies have been involved in developing options for the president, with more formal briefings expected in the coming days. Trump is scheduled to meet with senior national security officials on Tuesday to discuss how to proceed.
Iran has warned it would retaliate if the US intervenes militarily. The country’s hardline parliamentary speaker said US military and commercial facilities would be considered legitimate targets in the event of an attack.
Tehran has also signaled it would not wait for an initial strike before responding, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
Trump has not yet made a final decision, but officials say he is seriously considering action as the death toll continues to rise. A senior White House official said the options under review do not include deploying US ground troops to Iran.
Human rights groups report widespread arrests and killings since the protests began. According to figures provided to CNN by Human Rights Activists in Iran, more than 10,600 people, including children, have been arrested over the past 15 days, while at least 490 protesters have been killed. These figures could not be independently verified.
Trump has repeatedly expressed support for the protesters, posting on social media that Iran is “looking at freedom, perhaps like never before,” and saying the US is ready to help.
He has also warned that the US would act if Iranian authorities resorted to deadly force, stressing that any response would not involve boots on the ground but would target the regime “where it hurts.”
US officials have also held discussions with key allies over the unrest. Israeli leaders are closely monitoring developments, with security consultations underway as protests enter their third week.
