Trump signals ‘very strong options’ against Iran

Tehran has accused the US of stirring up the deadly protests in the Islamic Republic

US President Donald Trump has said his administration is considering “strong options” against Iran, which has been hit by deadly nationwide protests since late December. Tehran has described the unrest as a “terrorist war” stirred by the US and Israel.

Trump has issued a series of statements in recent days suggesting that the US is “locked and loaded” to intervene in Iran to support the people’s quest for “freedom.” He has vowed that the US will “start shooting” if the Iranian authorities open fire on the protesters.

On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the US of interfering in the unrest. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed the claim on Monday, describing the unrest as a “terrorist war” against the country.

“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 late Sunday.

Earlier in the day, the Wall Street Journal cited US officials as saying Trump is scheduled to meet on Tuesday with his aides to review potential steps to intervene. The options under consideration reportedly include boosting anti-government sources online, deploying “secretive cyber weapons” against Iranian military and civilian sites, imposing more sanctions, and military strikes.

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Trump also said the Iranian authorities had called the White House, seeking “to negotiate,” stressing that a “meeting is being set up,” though they could decide to take action beforehand. He also announced plans to speak with Elon Musk about sending Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran to help the protesters get around the recent internet shutdown in the country.

The protests began on December 28 after the national currency collapsed, triggering sharp increases in food and staple prices. The demonstrations quickly escalated into riots and clashes with security forces, reportedly resulting in hundreds of deaths. A number of mosques, medical centers, and other buildings have been set on fire across the country, with photos and videos circulating online showing the destruction.

Trump’s comments come shortly after a US raid in Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro. Political analysts have warned that further actions could pose risks to a number of countries around the world.