Washington — President Donald Trump is set to receive a formal briefing on Tuesday from senior administration officials regarding specific options for responding to ongoing nationwide protests in Iran. This development indicates that the administration is actively considering measures to address the Iranian regime’s crackdown on demonstrators, consistent with the president’s repeated public threats.
The protests in Iran began approximately two weeks ago, initially driven by merchants protesting economic conditions, and escalated into a broader nationwide revolt against the regime by January 8. According to Human Rights Activists in Iran, more than 500 people—including members of security services—have been killed in the unrest. Iranian authorities have imposed a recent internet shutdown and signaled a broader crackdown, with the attorney general labeling participants as “enemies of God”—a charge that carries the death penalty—and the army vowing to protect national interests while blaming external actors, including Israel and terrorist groups.
Planned White House Briefing
The Tuesday meeting represents the first formal discussion between President Trump and key officials on potential next steps. Expected attendees include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine. Discussions are in the early stages, and no final decision is anticipated during the session.
Ahead of the meeting, memos have been circulated to relevant agencies requesting input on specific responses, including potential military targets and economic measures.
Options under consideration include:
- Enhancing support for antigovernment sources online.
- Deploying secretive cyber weapons targeting Iranian military and civilian sites.
- Imposing additional sanctions on the regime.
- Conducting military strikes.
One specific measure discussed is the potential delivery of Starlink satellite internet terminals—owned by Elon Musk—into Iran for the first time during the Trump administration. This could enable protesters to circumvent the country’s internet restrictions.
The Pentagon has not yet repositioned forces in preparation for potential military action. Any strikes would require advance placement of assets both for offensive operations and to protect U.S. forces in the region. Notably, the U.S. recently relocated the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group from the Mediterranean to Latin America, leaving no U.S. aircraft carrier currently stationed in the Middle East or Europe.
Heightened Regional Tensions and U.S. Concerns
The deliberations occur amid already elevated tensions in the Middle East, including recent U.S. strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria on Saturday, in response to the killing of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter the previous month.
Administration officials have expressed concerns that U.S. or Israeli involvement on behalf of protesters could bolster regime propaganda portraying the uprising as orchestrated by hostile foreign powers. There is also worry that a limited or symbolic response might demoralize demonstrators who anticipate substantial American support, while more aggressive actions risk escalating into direct confrontation involving the U.S., Iran, and potentially Israel.
On Sunday, Iran’s parliamentary speaker threatened to target American military bases in the Middle East if the U.S. acts first.
Secretary of State Rubio spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday about the protests, as well as developments in Syria and Gaza.
Trump’s Public Statements and Administration Rhetoric
President Trump has intensified his rhetoric since the protests began. On January 2, he stated that the U.S. is “locked and loaded” and warned the Iranian regime against killing peaceful protesters. On Friday, he stated that the U.S. would “start shooting” if authorities opened fire on demonstrators. On Saturday, he expressed support for the uprising, posting: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” He also shared a story about an individual in London removing Iran’s flag from its embassy and replacing it with an antiregime banner.
The State Department reinforced this stance, stating: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.” This message alluded to the recent U.S. operation to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following similar warnings. Officials note that Trump has been emboldened by that mission, along with bombing campaigns in Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.
Tehran has shown no signs of fearing U.S. action or initiating serious talks on its nuclear program in recent months.
This would mark the second time President Trump has authorized strikes on Iran, following B-2 stealth bomber attacks in August that significantly damaged three Iranian nuclear sites and set back the regime’s nuclear program.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment.
