US President Donald Trump is considering a range of military and non-military options in response to deadly protests in Iran, according to US officials familiar with the matter.
Officials said Trump has been briefed on possible intervention plans following weeks of unrest that have resulted in dozens of deaths and mass arrests. Some of the options focus on targeting Tehran’s security services, which are accused of violently suppressing protesters.
However, senior figures within the administration have raised concerns that direct military strikes could backfire by strengthening public support for Iran’s government or triggering military retaliation from Tehran.
As an alternative to airstrikes, Trump is also reviewing measures short of direct military action. These include cyber operations aimed at disrupting Iranian military or regime-linked systems, as well as imposing fresh sanctions on senior officials and key sectors such as energy and banking.
The US is also considering expanding internet access for protesters through technology like Starlink, allowing them to bypass government-imposed communication blackouts. Similar support was provided during Iran’s 2022 protests.
Multiple US agencies are involved in drafting the response options, with Trump expected to meet senior national security officials on Tuesday. A senior White House official said the plans do not include deploying US ground troops to Iran.
Iran has warned that it would retaliate against any US intervention, with hardline lawmakers threatening to target American military and commercial facilities. Tehran has also indicated it may respond preemptively, heightening fears of wider regional conflict.
Human rights groups report widespread repression since the protests began, with more than 10,600 arrests and at least 490 deaths recorded in the past 15 days, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran. These figures have not been independently verified.
Trump has repeatedly voiced support for the protesters, warning that the US would act if Iranian authorities continue to use lethal force, while insisting any response would avoid “boots on the ground” and instead target the regime strategically.
