On Sunday, January 11, 2026, President Donald Trump addressed reporters during an informal press gaggle aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington. The remarks focused on the escalating unrest in Iran and what actions the United States is considering amid reports of violent crackdowns.
Trump said the U.S. government is actively reviewing a range of possible responses to events in Iran. “We’re looking at some very strong options. Very strong,” he told reporters. “I’m getting an hourly report — literally almost every hour — on what’s happening in Iran right now. The people are being treated very badly. Very violently. It’s a disgrace what’s happening.”
He emphasized that a decision on how to proceed would be made soon, saying, “We’re going to make a determination very soon. Very soon.” Trump warned that if Iran’s government continued on its current path, “the Iranian regime is going to be in for a very big surprise. A very big, very strong surprise.” He added that the U.S. has “options that nobody even talks about. But we’re ready.”
Before concluding his remarks and walking away, Trump also spoke directly about the Iranian people: “And believe me, the people of Iran — they know it. They know it. They want freedom. They deserve freedom.”
Trump’s comments reflect the broad U.S. government scrutiny of unfolding protests and government repression within Iran, which have drawn international attention amid reports of significant casualties and arrests.
During the same conversation aboard Air Force One, Trump reiterated that the U.S. military is part of the ongoing review of possible actions, saying, “The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination.” He also noted that Iranian leaders had contacted the United States and that a meeting was being set up although he cautioned that action might be necessary before any negotiation occurs.
