At a Glance
- President Trump is considering military action against Iran after more than 544 protesters have been killed
- Iran warned that U.S. and Israeli bases could become “legitimate targets” if America strikes
- Trump says Iranian leaders have requested negotiations but violence may force early U.S. action
- Why it matters: The standoff could trigger direct military conflict between the U.S. and Iran
President Donald Trump is weighing military strikes against Iran as the regime’s crackdown on protesters has killed more than 544 people, with Tehran warning that American and Israeli bases could become “legitimate targets” if Washington attacks.
The president revealed he is receiving hourly briefings on the violence and that Iranian leaders have requested negotiations, though ongoing bloodshed could prompt U.S. action before any meeting occurs.
Trump’s Military Options
The president has been presented with preliminary plans ranging from potential strikes to non-military actions, according to three U.S. officials. No final decision has been made.
Speaking aboard Air Force One Sunday evening, Trump said Iran’s leadership “called to negotiate” on Saturday and expressed willingness to talk.
“The leaders of Iran, they want to negotiate,” Trump told reporters. “I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States. Iran wants to negotiate with us.”
However, the president warned that the situation could escalate before diplomacy begins.
“We may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting,” Trump said.
Iran’s Warning to Washington
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf issued a stark warning Sunday, stating that Israeli and U.S. military bases would be considered legitimate targets if America launches an attack.
“If the United States launches a military attack, both the occupied territory and U.S. military and maritime centers will be our legitimate targets,” Qalibaf said on Iranian state television, referring to Israel as “occupied territory.”
He added: “Within the framework of legitimate defense, we do not limit ourselves to reacting after an attack.”
Trump responded with his own threats while speaking to reporters.
“If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before,” the president said. “I have options that are so strong. If they did that, they would be met with a very powerful force.”
Escalating Rhetoric
The exchange follows Trump’s previous warnings to Iranian leaders. Last Friday, he threatened military intervention if Iran moves to crush protests, stating: “You better not start shooting, because we’ll start shooting, too.”
On Saturday, Trump offered support for protesters on Truth Social, writing: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
The State Department reinforced the message, warning: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”
The Human Toll
The Human Rights Activists News Agency, a U.S.-based group, reported Sunday that at least 544 people have been killed during the crackdown. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights cited unverified reports suggesting several hundred additional deaths.
The protests began two weeks ago over economic grievances as Iran’s currency crashed and inflation soared. They have since evolved into one of the biggest challenges to the Islamic Republic in its 47-year history.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency:
- At least 10,681 people have been arrested
- Protests have occurred in 585 locations across 186 cities in Iran’s 31 provinces
- Internet blackouts continue, making verification difficult
Iran’s Harsh Response
Iranian authorities have intensified their crackdown on demonstrators. Gen. Ahmad-Reza Radan, commander of Iran’s police force, announced an “enhanced” response is now in place, with additional arrests made Saturday.
Iran’s Prosecutor-General Mohammad Movahedi Azad declared Saturday that protesters would be considered “enemies of God,” a charge that carries the death penalty in Iran.
The country’s chief justice stated Sunday there would be “no leniency” toward those involved in unrest, with designated judges assigned to handle cases nationwide.
Security forces have reportedly sent text messages to people suspected of attending “illegal gatherings,” warning them they have been identified using location data and that masks won’t prevent detection.
International Response
Israel is monitoring the situation closely. The Israeli military stated Sunday it can “respond with power if need be” to any developments.
Solidarity protests have emerged in Europe, with demonstrations in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom supporting Iranian protesters.
Reza Pahlavi, exiled son of Iran’s late shah and a figurehead for some protesters, encouraged demonstrators Sunday and praised Trump’s support on social media, promising to be with protesters “soon.”
The Internet Blackout
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed continued internet blackouts in Iran through Sunday. Amnesty International condemned these disruptions as attempts to “hide the true extent of the grave human rights violations and crimes under international law.”
The blackout has complicated international media coverage, though verified footage shows hundreds of anti-government protesters gathering at multiple locations in Tehran, including Kaj Square, Ponak Square, and Heravi Square.
What’s Next
Trump told News Of Fort Worth Sunday night he receives briefings on the Iranian situation “on the hour, or less.” When asked if a U.S. response could occur within days, he replied: “It could happen.”
The president’s meeting with Iranian leadership remains uncertain as both Washington and Tehran exchange threats while protests continue across Iran.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the U.S. and Israel of seeking to sow chaos during a Sunday address on state TV, urging citizens to distance themselves from “rioters and terrorists.”
The demonstrations show no signs of abating despite the regime’s harsh response, leaving the region bracing for potential American military action.
