Trump says US is closely monitoring Iran, mulling over options

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said the US is mulling over potential options in response to reports of deadly crackdowns in Iran in the

third week of nationwide protests

, but added that Tehran’s leadership also reached out to seek talks. 

“We’re looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” Mr Trump told reporters on Jan 11 on Air Force One as he returned to Washington from his Mar-a-Lago home. “We’ll make a determination.”

The mass protests across Iran, sparked by a currency crisis and economic collapse but increasingly aimed at the ruling system, have become the most serious challenge to the Islamic republic since 1979.

There have been more than 540 confirmed deaths in the Iranian protests and over 10,000 arrests, as reported by the Human Rights Activist News Agency, which is tracking protests in 186 cities across Iran’s 31 provinces.

Communications remain largely cut off

, which has made it difficult to track the full scope of the protest movement.

The US and Iran have not had formal diplomatic ties for decades.

The US severed relations in 1980 after Iranian student militants seized the American embassy in Tehran and its staff in November 1979, setting off a hostage crisis that lasted 444 days.

Mr Trump said Iran’s leaders reached out for negotiations on Jan 10.

“A meeting is being set up,” he said, without offering additional details. “But we may have to act, because of what’s happening, before the meeting.”

Mr Trump said on Jan 11 that he may explore how to help restore internet communications via Mr Elon Musk’s Starlink service.

“We may get the internet going, if that’s possible,” Mr Trump told reporters. “We may speak to Elon Musk. I’m going to call him as soon as I’m finished with you.”

While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a conciliatory tone and urged dialogue, other officials warned of swift trials and even the death penalty as unrest spreads and fatalities mount.

Mr Trump has openly backed protesters and been hinting at US military action against the regime of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, unsettling allies and rivals alike. 

“Iran is looking at freedom, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help,” Mr Trump posted on social media on Jan 10.

In response, Iran has warned the US and Israel that it will retaliate if it is attacked. BLOOMBERG