US President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric against Iran, repeatedly threatening military intervention to halt the government's violent suppression of nationwide protests. As tensions rise, new details have surfaced regarding the potential military options being considered by his administration.
What Military Options Are On The Table?
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, officials within the Trump administration have held discussions on potential strike plans against Iran. One anonymous official revealed that large-scale airstrikes targeting multiple Iranian military facilities are among the options being weighed.
However, the report clarifies that no final consensus has been reached on how to execute an attack. Crucially, there are no signs of imminent military action, and no troops or equipment have been deployed specifically for this purpose. The planning is described as part of routine contingency preparations.
The New York Times added another dimension, reporting that President Trump has been presented with a range of possibilities, which even include strikes on non-military targets within the capital city of Tehran.
Unrest and Brutal Crackdown in Iran
The trigger for these heightened threats is the severe internal crisis unfolding in Iran. Protests, which began in Tehran on 28 December 2025 following a currency collapse, have now spread to an estimated 180 cities.
The government's response has been brutally forceful. According to the rights group Human Rights Activists in Iran, the death toll had climbed to at least 65 by late Friday, 9 January 2026, a sharp increase from 29 earlier in the week. Furthermore, over 2,300 people have been arrested.
In an attempt to stifle communication and organisation, the Iranian regime has imposed a near-total internet blackout, which had lasted for nearly 48 hours at the time of reporting. Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged protesters to continue their demonstrations and occupy city centres.
Trump's Direct Threats and Previous Actions
President Trump has been vocal in his warnings to the Iranian leadership. On Saturday, 10 January 2026, he posted on Truth Social, "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!"
His threat the previous day was even more explicit. On Friday, 9 January, he cautioned, "You better not start shooting because we'll start shooting too."
This is not Trump's first military action against Iran during his second term. The US military previously struck Iranian nuclear facilities, using at least six "bunker buster" bombs on three sites, including the deeply buried Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant.
The situation remains highly volatile, with the US administration conducting strategic planning while the Iranian regime continues its harsh crackdown, setting the stage for a potential international confrontation.
