Iran Unrest Deepens: Trump Weighs Strikes, Hints Talks
US President Donald Trump said America is weighing strong options against Iran, while claiming Iranians now seek negotiations amid rising tensions.
US President Donald Trump has once again signalled a tougher stance on Iran, as reports indicate he is weighing a range of military options in response to escalating nationwide protests that have already claimed hundreds of lives. The situation reflects a complex mix of pressure, uncertainty, and human tragedy, with Washington sending stern warnings even as Trump claims Tehran is now seeking negotiations.
On Sunday, Trump said the United States is looking at “very strong options” against Iran, while also asserting that Iranian leaders have reached out to negotiate. The comments highlight a striking contrast in tone: on one hand, a hardline approach driven by forceful rhetoric and potential military action, and on the other, an opening—at least rhetorically—for dialogue. As unrest deepens inside Iran, this dual message underscores the delicate balance the Trump administration is trying to strike.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Trump is scheduled to be briefed on Tuesday by senior officials in his administration on specific options to respond to the protests. The meeting is expected to focus on possible next steps, including diplomatic, economic, and military measures. While no final decisions have been announced, the discussions themselves reflect how seriously Washington is treating the unfolding crisis.
Trump has repeatedly warned that the US is prepared to act decisively. He has said that America is considering “very strong options,” a phrase that has raised concerns internationally about the possibility of military strikes. Two US officials told CNN that Trump is indeed weighing a series of potential military actions against Iran. However, these options are not without internal resistance. Reports suggest that senior officials within the US defence establishment have cautioned the president that the military would need more time to prepare for any direct strikes.
There are also deep concerns within the administration about the possible consequences of military intervention. According to US officials, there is a fear that strikes could backfire and actually weaken the protest movement rather than support it. The concern is that external military action might rally ordinary Iranians around their government, shifting anger away from domestic leadership and towards foreign powers. Another risk is retaliation, as Iran could respond with military force of its own, potentially escalating the situation into a wider conflict.
Amid these high-level strategic debates, the human cost on the ground continues to grow. A US-based rights group, HRANA, reported on Sunday that at least 544 people have been killed since the protests began, with fears that the real number could be even higher. The scale of the reported deaths has shocked many observers and added urgency to international calls for restraint and accountability.
Trump has also pointed to technological measures as part of his response. On Sunday, he said he would speak to billionaire Elon Musk about using the Starlink satellite internet service to help restore communications in Iran. Internet shutdowns have been a recurring feature during periods of unrest, and access to communication tools is seen by many activists as critical for organising protests and sharing information with the outside world.
Adding to the tension, Trump claimed that Iran’s leadership reached out to the US with proposals for negotiations after he threatened action over the crackdown on protesters. Iranian officials, however, have not publicly confirmed this claim. Instead, Tehran’s tone has remained defiant.
The protests themselves began on 28 December, initially sparked by soaring prices and worsening economic conditions. Over time, they evolved into broader demonstrations against the clerical establishment that has ruled Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian authorities have accused the United States and Israel of stirring unrest and called for nationwide rallies to condemn what they described as “terrorist actions” led by foreign powers.
As Washington debates its next move and Tehran braces for further unrest, ordinary Iranians remain caught in the middle. Their demands for economic relief and political change have turned into a deadly confrontation, while global powers weigh strategies that could reshape the region. The coming days may prove critical, not only for US-Iran relations, but for the lives of countless people on the streets of Iran.