Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that his administration is seriously considering robust responses, including potential military strikes, to Iran's ongoing violent suppression of mass anti-government demonstrations, as the death toll from the unrest surpasses 500 according to independent rights monitors.
In comments made aboard Air Force One on Sunday, January 11, 2026, Trump addressed reporters on the escalating situation in Iran, where protests that began in late December over economic hardships have evolved into widespread calls for regime change. When asked if Iran had crossed his previously stated "red line" involving the killing of protesters, Trump replied: “They’re starting to, it looks like... We’re looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination.”
The president is scheduled to meet with senior officials on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to review a range of potential actions. These include military strikes, deployment of secretive cyber weapons, expanded sanctions, and enhanced support for anti-government online communications, according to U.S. officials briefed on the matter. The briefing will involve Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other key aides, though no final decision is anticipated during the session, as deliberations remain in early stages.
Trump's remarks come amid reports that Iran has reached out seeking negotiations, with the president stating, “Iran wants to negotiate,” while cautioning that action might precede any talks due to the ongoing violence. He added that discussions for a potential meeting are underway but emphasized the need for swift response to the crackdown.
The protests, which erupted on December 28, 2025, initially focused on soaring inflation, currency collapse, and economic grievances but have since transformed into a broader challenge to the Islamic Republic's clerical leadership, marking one of the most significant internal crises since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Demonstrations have spread across numerous cities and provinces, with reports of large crowds chanting anti-regime slogans despite severe restrictions.
Iranian authorities have intensified their response, imposing a nationwide internet blackout lasting over three days to curb information flow and coordination among protesters. The military has accused foreign "enemies," particularly the United States and Israel, of fueling the unrest and urged civilians to remain vigilant against alleged plots. On Sunday, January 11, protesters faced warnings of the death penalty for property damage, further escalating tensions.
In a fiery parliamentary address on Sunday, Iran's Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that any U.S. military involvement would prompt retaliation, declaring U.S. bases, ships in the region, and Israel as "legitimate targets." He framed the protests as an extension of ongoing conflicts with the U.S. and Israel, stating Iran would not limit itself to reactive measures and could act preemptively if it perceives an imminent threat. Lawmakers responded with chants of "Death to America."
The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a U.S.-based rights group relying on verified reports from activists inside and outside Iran, updated its figures on Sunday evening, confirming at least 544 deaths (including 496 protesters and eight children) and 48 security personnel killed, alongside more than 10,600 arrests over the past two weeks. HRANA noted challenges in sourcing reliable data due to the communications blackout, but its tally aligns with previous unrest reporting. Other sources have cited similar or slightly varying figures, with some estimating higher unverified casualties. Reports have placed the toll at 544 as of January 11, highlighting the difficulty in independent verification amid restricted access.
Visual evidence emerging despite the blackout includes footage of scores of body bags outside morgues near Tehran, underscoring the scale of the violence. Protests have reportedly declined in intensity on January 11 compared to prior days, attributed partly to the internet shutdown and jamming of satellite services like Starlink.
The situation has raised alarms about potential wider regional escalation, with U.S. lawmakers from both parties expressing caution. Some, including Republican Senator Rand Paul, have questioned whether military strikes would achieve intended outcomes or risk unifying Iranians against external intervention.
As the Trump administration deliberates its next steps, the crisis in Iran continues to unfold amid a communications blackout and heightened rhetoric on all sides. The outcome of Tuesday's high-level meeting could significantly influence U.S. policy toward one of the Middle East's most volatile flashpoints, with implications for global stability.
