US Military Options Against Iran Expand Amid Protests
US President Donald Trump received an expanded menu of military options against Iran this week. Defense sources revealed these options include traditional military force, cyber operations, and psychological warfare campaigns. This development comes as nationwide protests in Iran have reportedly claimed over 600 lives according to human rights groups.
Cyber and Psychological Warfare Included in Planning
Multiple US media outlets reported on Tuesday that defense officials presented these options to the president. Air power and long-range missiles remain central to any potential military response. However, the Pentagon has also outlined cyber operation options and psychological campaigns.
These non-traditional approaches aim to disrupt Iranian command structures, communications networks, and state-run media. Officials described how cyber and psychological operations could work alongside traditional military force in what planners call integrated operations. Alternatively, they could be deployed as stand-alone measures.
Defense officials did not specify which digital infrastructure might be targeted. They also did not detail what psychological campaigns against Iran's state-run media would involve if Trump authorized such actions.
Nuclear and Missile Sites Among Possible Targets
The New York Times reported that potential targets could include Iran's nuclear program. This would expand beyond US airstrikes that targeted facilities in June. Ballistic missile facilities also appear on the list of possible targets.
Trump's national security team scheduled a meeting at the White House on Tuesday to discuss updated options on Iran. CBS News reported this information citing officials familiar with the matter. It remains unclear whether the president will attend this meeting.
Diplomacy Remains First Option Despite Military Planning
Despite the expanded military planning, officials stressed that no final decision has been taken. Diplomatic channels remain open according to multiple sources. One official told The New York Times that any attack remains at least several days away and could prompt vigorous retaliation from Iran.
Some US officials believe Iran is attempting to delay a potential US attack rather than engage seriously in diplomacy. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized on Monday that diplomacy always comes first. She stated Trump is "unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary."
Leavitt added that public statements from the Iranian regime differ from messages the administration receives privately. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly reached out to US special envoy Steve Witkoff to explore direct diplomatic talks. A possible meeting is under discussion according to two sources familiar with the matter.
However, it remains unclear what issues Tehran is prepared to negotiate. The two sides held talks last spring over Iran's nuclear program. Iranian leaders maintain their nuclear program serves civilian purposes. US and Israeli officials fear it could be diverted to produce nuclear warheads.
Economic Pressure Increases Through Tariffs
Trump announced a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran this week. This escalates pressure on Tehran over its violent crackdown on nationwide protests. The president said these tariffs would take effect immediately.
"Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America," Trump declared in a social media post.
Protests Continue Amid Information Blackout
Protests have spread across all 31 provinces of Iran for more than two weeks. Human Rights Activists News reported at least 644 people have been killed. Most victims died from live ammunition or pellet gunfire, often at close range according to the organization.
The Iranian government cut internet services nationwide, creating an information blackout. Leavitt revealed Trump asked Elon Musk to explore whether SpaceX could provide internet access to Iranian citizens via the Starlink satellite network.
Trump Warns of Retaliation
When asked how the United States would respond if Iran struck American military bases, Trump gave a stark warning. "We will hit them at levels that they've never been hit before," the president declared.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump suggested Iran appeared to be approaching a red line he had set. "They're starting to, it looks like," he added without providing specific details.
Iranian President Accuses US and Israel
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of attempting to destabilize Iran by fomenting unrest. While pledging the government would hear public grievances, he warned against violent protesters. Pezeshkian urged Iranians to stay away from what he called "rioters and terrorists."
The situation remains fluid with military planning advancing alongside diplomatic efforts. Officials continue to emphasize that no final decisions have been made regarding potential actions against Iran.
