Trump considers military options as Iran protests intensify

Trump considers military options as Iran protests intensify
U.S. President Donald Trump attends a meeting with oil industry executives, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 9, 2026.
Reuters

President Donald Trump is scheduled to be briefed on Tuesday on specific options to respond to ongoing protests in Iran, including potential military measures, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The protests, which began on 28 December in response to economic grievances, have grown in size and scope, with U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reporting at least 446 fatalities across all 31 Iranian provinces. Authorities have imposed nationwide restrictions on internet access and telephone lines, limiting independent verification of casualties.

Trump has stated publicly that the United States is prepared to respond if Iranian authorities use lethal force against civilians. On social media, he wrote: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” He also told reporters on 9 January that the U.S. would “get involved” in the event of deadly crackdowns, clarifying that this would not involve deploying ground troops but could include targeted strikes against the Iranian regime.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 10 January regarding the situation in Iran, as well as developments in Syria and Gaza, according to sources familiar with the call. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it is monitoring events in Iran and maintaining operational readiness. Netanyahu is expected to hold a limited security consultation on 11 January, focusing on Iran and Lebanon.

The protests have elicited a response from Iranian leadership. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on 9 January that the government would “not back down” in the face of demonstrations. Dozens of protesters have reportedly been killed during clashes with security forces, according to human rights groups.

The Trump administration emphasises that any potential action in Iran would be calibrated to avoid unintended escalation or harm to civilians, while responding to the crackdown on demonstrators.

Tags