Iran’s protest death toll has crossed 500 as President Donald Trump warned that Tehran is nearing a “red line” and the US is considering “very strong options” over the violent crackdown.
Iran Protests 2026 Trump Says Iran Is Near Red Line as Death Toll Crosses 500 (Source: X/ @ardavank)
Iran Protests Update: Massive anti-government protests are shaking Iran as violence spreads across several provinces. Reports say more than 500 people have been killed, most of them protesters. In response, US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran may be crossing a red line set by his administration, raising the possibility of strong action from Washington.
Speaking to reporters, Trump was asked if Iran had crossed that red line. He replied, "They're starting to, it looks like." Trump said the US government is watching the situation very closely, especially the growing number of deaths caused by Iranian security forces.
The US President accused Iran’s leaders of ruling through force rather than through the will of the people. He said innocent people are being killed during the protests.
"There seem to be some people killed that aren't supposed to be killed. These are violent - if you call them leaders, I don't know if they're leaders or if they just rule through violence - but we're looking at it very seriously. The military's looking at it. We're looking at some very strong options; we'll make a determination," Trump said. However, Trump did not explain what actions the US might take.
#WATCH | On the situation in Iran, US President Donald Trump says, "It looks like (the line has been crossed)... Some people, who were not supposed to be killed, have been killed... If you talk about leaders, I don't know if they are leaders or just rule through violence... But… pic.twitter.com/TKTMi0FUAj
— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2026
Trump has been briefed on several military choices aimed at Iran. These include possible targeted strikes inside Tehran.
The report said the proposed targets are not traditional military sites but facilities connected to Iran’s internal security system, which is used to control and suppress the population. These briefings are part of emergency planning as the US considers diplomatic, economic, and military ways to stop further violence by Iran’s authorities.
🚨 DEVELOPING — Trump says Iranian leaders have called him directly and want to negotiate.
“They called. They want to negotiate. A meeting is being set up,” Trump says — adding that the US may still act before talks take place “because of what’s happening.”
Clear signal:… pic.twitter.com/In6VzoD8vt
— Ardavan M. Khoshnood (@ardavank) January 12, 2026
Earlier, Trump said the people of Iran are demanding freedom and that the United States is ready to help them.
In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!"
For the past 15 days, Iran has been facing widespread protests over high inflation, job losses, and economic suffering. What started as small demonstrations has now turned into large nationwide unrest, with violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
The protests began on December 28 and quickly spread to cities across the country. Iranian authorities responded with arrests, heavy crackdowns, and force.
According to the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), the death toll has reached at least 544 people, while many more cases are still being verified. The group also reported that more than 10,681 people have been arrested and sent to prison. Protests have taken place in 585 locations, covering 186 cities in all 31 provinces of Iran.
US Senator Lindsey Graham voiced his strong support for Trump’s position on Iran. He said Iran’s people may soon see change.
"President Trump is not Obama. Freedom now, freedom forever for the long-suffering Iranian people. I believe your nation's nightmare will soon be coming to an end. Make Iran Great Again," Graham posted on X.
President Trump is not Obama. Freedom now, freedom forever for the long suffering Iranian people.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 11, 2026
I believe your nation’s nightmare will soon be coming to an end.
Make Iran Great Again.
US Senator Lindsey Graham further supported Iranians and said US president Trump are standing with them.
The people of Iran are standing up to tyranny, and their fight for freedom is gaining momentum.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 11, 2026
President @realDonaldTrump stands with them and unlike past administrations, he will not turn his back.
Make Iran Great Again. pic.twitter.com/RYIQpqvzeE
Iran has shut down internet services across the country for the past two days, making it difficult for people to communicate or share information about the protests.
When asked if the US might help restore internet access, possibly through Elon Musk’s Starlink service, Trump said talks were underway but no decision had been made.
"We are going to be talking about that. We may get the internet going. We may speak to Elon Musk; I am going to call him," Trump said.
#WATCH | On being asked if Starlink will be sent to Iran, US President Donald Trump says, "We are going to be talking about that. We may get the internet going, if that's possible. We may speak to Elon Musk, I am going to call him..."
— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2026
(Source: The White House/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/jCLLofCem1
