U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a sharp escalation in US rhetoric toward Iran, saying his administration is actively reviewing a range of “very strong options” in response to Tehran’s crackdown on widespread protests. The comments underscore mounting pressure on Iran’s leadership and growing fears of a wider confrontation in the Middle East.

Trump Signals Possible Military Action

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late Sunday, Trump said the US military is closely involved in assessing next steps.
“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 to Washington seeking negotiations following his warnings of military action, adding that a meeting was being arranged. However, he cautioned that the US might move before talks take place, saying, “We may have to act before a meeting.”

Iranian authorities did not immediately respond to Trump’s remarks.

Tehran Issues Stark Warning

Iranian officials earlier issued strong warnings against any foreign intervention. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that an attack on Iran would prompt retaliation against US interests across the region. “In the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories as well as all US bases and ships will be our legitimate target,” he said.

The statement highlighted the risk that any US action could rapidly escalate into a broader regional conflict.

Protests Spread Nationwide

The unrest began on December 28, when merchants at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar shut their shops in protest against the sharp fall of the Iranian rial. Demonstrations quickly spread across the country, with public anger expanding from rising living costs to open opposition to Iran’s clerical establishment, which has ruled since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iranian state media report that at least 109 security personnel have been killed during the unrest. Opposition groups based outside the country say the true death toll is significantly higher and includes hundreds of protesters.

Internet Blackout and Government Response

Monitoring groups say a nationwide internet blackout has continued for more than 72 hours, severely limiting communication and access to information.

President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that his administration was “ready to listen to” public demands, while urging citizens to prevent what he described as “rioters” and “terrorist elements” from causing destruction. Speaking to state broadcaster IRIB, Pezeshkian accused Israel and the US of orchestrating the unrest, arguing that economic grievances were being exploited to destabilize the country.

Options Under Review in Washington

A US official said Trump is scheduled to meet senior advisers on Tuesday to discuss policy options on Iran. These reportedly include military strikes, covert cyber operations, expanded sanctions, and providing online support to anti-government actors.

Trump also said he plans to speak with billionaire Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran, pointing to SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, which has previously been used in the country.

Broader Foreign Policy Signals

The Iran crisis is unfolding as Trump pursues an aggressive foreign policy agenda. He confirmed plans to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and reiterated assurances that global oil companies would be protected if they invest in Venezuela.

Trump also renewed calls for Greenland to “make a deal” with Washington, saying the US is interested in acquiring the Danish Arctic territory on a permanent basis. Repeating earlier claims, he argued that Russia and China pose a growing threat in the region and warned that Greenland could fall under their influence if the US does not act.