Trump Weighs Military Action in Iran as Tehran Reportedly Seeks Negotiation
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN — Amidst a violent crackdown on anti-government protests that has left hundreds dead, President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that Iranian leaders have contacted the United States to “negotiate.” However, the President simultaneously warned that the U.S. is considering “very strong options,” including potential military intervention, should the violence continue.
Mixed Signals: Diplomacy and Threats
Despite the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough, tensions remain critically high. President Trump revealed that while Iranian officials are “tired of being beat up by the United States” and are setting up a meeting, the U.S. military posture remains aggressive.
“They want to negotiate… We may have to act before a meeting,” Trump said on Sunday night.
The President has not elaborated on the specifics of the proposed talks but has been briefed on various military options. According to officials speaking to the Wall Street Journal, other strategies under consideration include:
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Boosting anti-government sources online.
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Deploying cyber-weapons against Iran’s military.
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Imposing further economic sanctions.
Last week, Trump issued a stark warning regarding the safety of demonstrators, stating, “we’ll start shooting too” if Iranian forces attacked protesters.
A “Crisis of Legitimacy” on the Streets
The protests, now entering their third week, were sparked in late December by anger over the plummeting value of the Iranian currency. They have since spiraled into a major crisis of legitimacy for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The human toll has been severe. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) has verified the deaths of nearly 500 protesters and 48 security personnel. They also estimate that at least 10,600 people have been detained during the fortnight of unrest.
Evidence of Mass Casualties
Harrowing reports are emerging from Tehran regarding the scale of the lethal force used by security services. The BBC has analyzed footage from a morgue near the Iranian capital, counting at least 180 white shrouds or body bags.
In the footage, which was blurred to protect identities, cries of distress are audible as families search for loved ones. Sources on the ground describe a grim scene:
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Streets in Tehran were described as “full of blood.”
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Bodies are reportedly being removed in trucks.
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Authorities are burying victims urgently before dawn to limit identification.
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City workers are rapidly clearing debris, burned cars, and bloodstains.
Tehran’s Response: “Martyrs” and Blame
The Iranian government has imposed a severe internet shutdown since Thursday, complicating efforts to verify information. State television is attempting to project calm, while Iranian leaders have labeled the demonstrators a “bunch of vandals.”
In a counter-move, the government announced three days of mourning for what it calls “martyrs” killed in a “national battle against the U.S. and Israel”—the two nations Tehran accuses of fomenting the unrest.
Iran’s Foreign Minister stated on Monday that while his country “does not seek war,” it remains fully prepared to defend itself if attacked.
