The United States is actively reviewing potential military strike options against Iran, as President Donald Trump ramps up rhetoric in support of mass anti-government protests that have shaken the Islamic Republic. This development comes alongside a severe internal crackdown, with rights groups reporting at least 116 people killed and thousands detained since demonstrations began.
US Posture Hardens as Iran Tightens Grip
According to reports, President Trump has been briefed on several contingency plans for military action, though officials stress these are internal planning exercises and no decision has been made. The review follows Trump's repeated warnings to Tehran, including a social media post on Saturday, 11 January 2026, stating "The USA stands ready to help" Iranian protesters seeking freedom.
Simultaneously, Iran's security forces have moved decisively to quell the unrest. The nation's attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, issued a stark warning that protesters could face charges of being an "enemy of God," a crime punishable by death. The military has accused foreign "enemies," specifically the US and Israel, of inciting the violence.
Nationwide Blackout and Global Reaction
In a drastic move to control information, Iranian authorities have severed internet and international phone connections, effectively isolating the country's 85 million people from the global community. This blackout has made verifying events on the ground extremely difficult, though verified footage contradicts state media claims of a return to calm.
Internationally, demonstrations in solidarity with the protesters have been held, including in London, where a protester scaled the balcony of the Iranian embassy. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the Iranian government's actions, stating that speaking out "should not require courage" and urging authorities to listen. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, also voiced support for the "brave people of Iran."
Regional Tensions and Historical Context
The crisis has heightened regional tensions, with Israel reportedly on high alert. Senior US and Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Secretary Rubio, have held discussions concerning the unrest and potential American involvement. This follows a direct 12-day war between Iran and Israel last year, a conflict that saw US aircraft bomb Iranian nuclear facilities.
Inside Iran, the protests, initially sparked by economic collapse, have evolved into broader calls for political change, including the removal of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. As the working week began, many schools shifted to online classes in an apparent bid to prevent further gatherings, even as protests persisted in various parts of the country.
