US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he is considering potential military action against Iran, as reports mount of a deadly crackdown on mass anti-government protests across the country.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Iran appeared to be nearing a red line he had previously set regarding the killing of protesters. “They’re starting to, it looks like,” he said. “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.”
Trump also claimed that Iran’s leadership had reached out to seek talks after his warnings of possible military action. “The leaders of Iran called,” he said, adding that a meeting was being arranged. He cautioned, however, that the United States might act before any talks take place.
A US official told Reuters that Trump is expected to meet senior advisers on Tuesday to discuss options on Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported that the options under review include military strikes, the use of covert cyber capabilities, tougher sanctions, and online support for anti-government groups.
President Trump is escalating his threats of military action in Iran, with a U.S. official telling ABC News the President will convene a meeting at the White House on Tuesday to discuss options. Selina Wang reports. https://t.co/ZPvGbbbTIa pic.twitter.com/fgfBw3vOPs
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) January 12, 2026Iranian officials responded with sharp warnings. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf cautioned Washington against what he described as any miscalculation. He said that in the event of an attack, Israel and all US bases and ships in the region would become legitimate targets.
Inside Iran, the government declared three days of national mourning for those it called “martyrs,” including members of the security forces killed during nearly two weeks of unrest, according to state television. Authorities described the crackdown on what they termed riots as a national resistance battle against the United States and Israel.
President Masoud Pezeshkian urged citizens to join a nationwide “national resistance march” on Monday. State media said the rallies would denounce violence that the government blamed on what it called urban terrorist criminals.
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The protests began over rising living costs but have since grown into a broader movement against Iran’s theocratic system, which has been in place since the 1979 revolution. The unrest now represents one of the most serious challenges in years to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is 86.
Tensions have risen further following Israel’s 12-day war with Iran in June, which had US backing. Despite an internet blackout lasting more than 72 hours, demonstrations have expanded in recent days. Internet monitor Netblocks said the shutdown has restricted the flow of information, while activists warn the true death toll could be far higher than reported.
