Why Iran’s protests have pushed Donald Trump to consider military options
Donald Trump has been briefed in recent days on several options, including limited strikes aimed at Iran’s security forces, which are being used to suppress demonstrations.
President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport. (AP Photo)
US President Donald Trump is considering possible military action against Iran after deadly protests across the country, CNN reported, citing two US officials. The discussions come after Trump warned Tehran against using lethal force on protesters.
What Trump is considering
Trump has been briefed in recent days on several options, including limited strikes aimed at Iran’s security forces, which are being used to suppress demonstrations. US officials said no decision has been taken.
A senior White House official told CNN that the options being discussed do not include sending US troops into Iran.
Protesters burn the Iranian national flag during a rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government in Paris. (Photo: AP)
Trump has also looked at measures short of military action. These include cyber operations targeting Iranian military or regime systems, new sanctions on senior officials or key sectors such as energy and banking, and steps to improve internet access inside Iran.
One option discussed is expanding satellite internet services, such as Starlink, to help protesters bypass internet shutdowns. Similar support was offered by the US during protests in Iran in 2022 under the former president Joe Biden.
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Why there is hesitation
US officials told CNN there are concerns that military strikes could have the opposite effect. They fear that outside attacks might push Iranians to rally behind their government or provoke Iran to retaliate militarily.
Despite these concerns, Trump has said publicly that the US is ready to act if violence continues.
“If they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved,” Trump told reporters on Friday.
He added, “That doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts.”
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In a social media post on Saturday, Trump wrote: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”.
Iran’s response
Iran has warned against any US intervention. Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said US military and commercial sites would be treated as targets if Washington took action.
“If the US takes military action towards Iran or the occupied territories, the US military and shipping centres will be considered legitimate targets,” he said.
Casualties and arrests
CNN cited figures from Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), which said at least 490 protesters have been killed and more than 10,600 people arrested over the past 15 days, including children. CNN said it could not independently verify these numbers.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the Iran protests during a phone call on Saturday, along with developments in Syria and Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces said they were monitoring the situation. “The protests are an internal Iranian matter,” an IDF spokesperson said, adding that the military remains prepared.
Several US agencies are involved in preparing options. More formal briefings are expected in the coming days, including a meeting of senior national security officials chaired by Trump.
Trump is weighing his choices as protests continue and the death toll rises, without committing to direct military action.
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President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport. (AP Photo) 
