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Trump Floats Military Options Over Iran Protests, Claims Tehran Seeking Talks
Trump says US is weighing “strong options,” including military action, over Iran’s protest crackdown, claiming Tehran has sought negotiations amid escalating tensions.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-12
Trump Floats Military Options Over Iran Protests, Claims Tehran Seeking Talks

United States President Donald Trump has said Washington is considering “very strong options,” including possible military intervention, in response to Iran’s crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late Sunday, Trump said the US military was actively reviewing scenarios. “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,” he said.

Trump claimed Iran’s leadership had reached out seeking negotiations following his threats of military action, adding that a meeting was being arranged. However, he warned that action could precede diplomacy. “We may have to act before a meeting,” he said. Tehran has yet to issue an official response.

Earlier on Sunday, Iranian leaders issued a sharp warning against any foreign intervention. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that in the event of an attack on Iran, Israel as well as all US bases and naval assets in the region would be considered legitimate targets.

The unrest in Iran began on December 28, when traders at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar shut their businesses in protest over the rapid collapse of the Iranian rial. The demonstrations quickly spread across the country, with grievances expanding from rising living costs to broader opposition against Iran’s clerical leadership, which has ruled since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iranian state media says at least 109 security personnel have been killed during the unrest. Opposition activists outside the country claim the death toll is significantly higher and includes hundreds of protesters. A nationwide internet blackout has continued for more than 72 hours, according to digital rights monitoring groups.

President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that his government was “ready to listen to” protesters but urged citizens to prevent what he described as “rioters” and “terrorist elements” from destabilising the country. Speaking to state broadcaster IRIB, Pezeshkian accused Israel and the US — which fought a 12-day war with Iran in June last year — of orchestrating the unrest.

“The same people that struck this country are now trying to escalate these unrests under the cover of economic grievances,” he said.

The crisis is unfolding as Trump pursues an increasingly assertive foreign policy. A US official told Reuters that Trump is scheduled to meet senior advisers on Tuesday to discuss Iran-related options. According to The Wall Street Journal, proposals include military strikes, covert cyber operations, expanded sanctions, and online support for anti-government groups.

Trump also said he plans to speak with billionaire Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran, referencing Musk’s SpaceX-owned Starlink satellite internet service. “He’s very good at that kind of thing,” Trump said.

During the same exchange, Trump addressed other foreign policy issues, confirming plans to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado this week and reiterating assurances to oil companies considering investment in Venezuela.

He also repeated calls for the US to acquire Greenland, urging the Danish territory to “make a deal” and warning that China and Russia would otherwise take control of the strategically located Arctic island. “One way or another we’re going to have Greenland,” Trump said.
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MiddleEastTensions

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