President Trump weighs military & cyber options in Iran after deadly protests, officials say. No boots on the ground planned. Latest on US response, Iranian threats, & casualty figures.
Iran Protests: US Plans Cyber Attacks, Sanctions as Iran Protest Option (Image: X)
NEW DELHI, January 12 — President Donald Trump is considering potential military strikes against Iranian security services in response to deadly nationwide protests, according to two U.S. officials. The planning comes as the administration explores a range of options to support demonstrators and follow through on the president’s public threats against Tehran.
President Donald Trump is weighing a series of potential military options, officials told CNN. He was briefed in recent days on different plans for intervention as violence in Iran has led to dozens of deaths and thousands of arrests. A senior White House official confirmed the options do not involve putting U.S. boots on the ground in Iran.
Options presented to the president have centered on targeting Iran’s security services, which are being used to suppress protests. However, officials expressed concern that military strikes could backfire by rallying Iranian public support behind the government or triggering Iranian military retaliation. More formal briefings for senior national security officials are expected in the coming week.
The administration is evaluating several measures short of direct military action:
Iran’s hardline parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, issued a stark warning. “If the US takes military action towards Iran or the occupied territories, the US military and shipping centers will be considered legitimate targets,” he stated, adding that Iran “does not limit” itself to reacting after an action is taken.
Anti-regime demonstrations have continued for over two weeks. According to Skylar Thompson of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), at least 500 above protesters have been killed and 10,675 people arrested, including 169 children (according to Reuters). Trump posted on social media, “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the protests on Saturday. The Israel Defense Forces stated it is “monitoring developments” defensively, while Netanyahu convened a security consultation Sunday with Iran high on the agenda.
A: No. Officials say he has not made a final decision but is seriously considering action as the death toll rises.
A: On Friday, Trump told reporters the U.S. would “get involved” and hit Iran “very, very hard” if it engaged in deadly violence against protesters, clarifying it would not mean “boots on the ground.”
