Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration is considering "some very strong options" in response to rising tensions with Iran, including potential military action. Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, indicated that Iran may have crossed a red line that could trigger a U.S. response, stating, "They're starting to, it looks like."
According to Namibia Press Agency, Trump emphasized that the situation is being taken very seriously, with the military already evaluating possible actions. The president is reportedly receiving updates on the situation in Iran on an "hourly" basis. Trump also mentioned that Iranian leaders have reached out to him, expressing a desire to negotiate, saying, "The leaders of Iran called. They want to negotiate."
U.S. officials, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, stated that Trump is scheduled to receive a briefing on Tuesday to discuss potential responses to the unrest in Iran. The meeting is expected to include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The discussions are in the early stages, and Trump is not expected to make a final decision at the meeting.
The range of options being considered by the Trump administration includes boosting anti-government sources online, deploying cyber weapons against Iranian sites, imposing additional sanctions, conducting military strikes, and possibly deploying Starlink satellite terminals to Iran. Despite these discussions, the Pentagon has not yet moved forces in preparation for military strikes, indicating that strategic assets would need to be positioned to both launch attacks and protect American forces in the region.
The recent movement of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group from the Mediterranean to Latin America has left the Middle East and Europe without a U.S. carrier presence. In response to the heightened tensions, Iran's parliamentary speaker reportedly threatened to attack American military bases in the Middle East if the U.S. initiates action.
Furthermore, Rubio engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday to address concerns related to Iran, Syria, and broader Middle East issues. Trump has clearly stated that the U.S. will not deploy troops to Iran, emphasizing a strategy focused on targeted strikes rather than a ground presence. "If they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved. We'll be hitting them very hard where it hurts," Trump stated.
The unrest in Iran, marked by protests in several cities since late December due to economic hardships and a sharp decline in the rial, continues to escalate, with reports indicating a rising death toll amid the protests.