Trump Weighs Military Strikes on Iran Amid Deadly Protests, White House Confirms
Trump Considers Iran Airstrikes as Protests Turn Deadly

White House Confirms Trump Considering Military Action Against Iran

The White House has officially stated that President Donald Trump is actively reviewing military possibilities regarding Iran. This development comes as anti-government protests in the country escalate, resulting in numerous fatalities. Among the options being considered are potential airstrikes.

Press Secretary Outlines Presidential Approach

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the situation on Monday. She highlighted President Trump's characteristic strategy of maintaining all available choices. "One thing President Trump is very good at is always keeping all of his options on the table," Leavitt stated. She specifically mentioned that airstrikes represent one of many potential courses of action for the commander-in-chief.

Leavitt was quick to clarify the administration's preferred method. "Diplomacy is always the first option for the president," she asserted. However, she added a firm warning, noting the president's demonstrated willingness to use military force when he judges it necessary. "The president has shown he's unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary, and nobody knows that better than Iran," Leavitt concluded.

Trump's Direct Comments on Potential Actions

President Trump himself has spoken about the ongoing review. He confirmed that military officials are examining the situation closely. "The military is looking at it, and we're looking at some very strong options. We'll make a determination," the President said. Trump also issued a clear promise regarding the protests, vowing that the United States would step in if Iranian authorities targeted peaceful demonstrators.

Background of the Widespread Unrest in Iran

The current wave of protests began in late December 2025. The initial spark was growing economic distress, characterized by severe hardship, soaring inflation, and the plummeting value of the Iranian rial. What started as demonstrations in Tehran's historic Grand Bazaar quickly expanded. The movement spread across all thirty-one provinces of Iran.

Millions of citizens have participated in street protests. Their core demands include significant political reform and an end to the rule of the Islamic Republic. The government's response has been harsh. Security forces have employed live ammunition, tear gas, and widespread arrests against demonstrators. Human rights organizations report that hundreds have been killed, with dozens more injured. These protests are now considered among the deadliest since 2022.

In an attempt to control information and quell the unrest, Iranian authorities have severely restricted internet access across the country. The government has also accused foreign nations and actors of meddling in Iran's internal affairs.

Regional Tensions and Historical Context

This domestic crisis unfolds against a backdrop of already heightened international tensions. In June 2025, the United States led a series of airstrikes targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities. Washington justified these strikes as a measure to hinder Tehran's nuclear development program.

Iran condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, labeling them a blatant violation of international law. Iranian officials vowed that their nuclear sites would continue operations and development despite the damage inflicted by the strikes. This history of military action adds a complex layer to the current diplomatic and strategic calculations being made by the Trump administration.