President Trump said on Sunday that he is looking at “very strong options” when is comes to supporting the protest movement in Iran.
Why it matters: Trump’s remarks come as the protests in Iran intensify and the death toll rises. Trump said publicly that he was willing to use military force if the Iranian regime killed protesters.
Driving the news: U.S.-based human rights group HRANA said on Sunday that more than 544 people were killed and over 10,000 others arrested in the protests that took place in 585 locations across Iran over the past two weeks.
- Israeli defense officials told Axios Israeli intelligence assessments indicate that more than 1,000 protesters have been killed.
- Trump said he is getting an hourly report about the situation in Iran and suggested it starts to look like it crosses the red line he has set for the Iranian regime. He said some of the protesters had been killed in a stampede and others were shot.
- “There seems to be some people killed that are not supposed to be killed,” Trump told reporters. “These are violent, if you call them leaders, I don’t know if you can call them leaders. They rule through violence.”
State of play: Trump is expected to hold a meeting with his national security team on Tuesday to discuss options for supporting the protests and weakening the Iranian regime.
- “We are looking at it very seriously,” Trump said. “The military is looking at it. We are looking at very strong options. We will make a determination.”
Behind the scenes: In recent days, initial meetings have taken place inside the administration to discuss ways to support the protests.
- While U.S. military strikes against Iranian regime targets are among the options being discussed, many inside the Trump administration think major kinetic action at this stage would undermine the protests, two U.S. officials said.
- U.S. officials said most of the options that will be presented to the president at this stage are “not kinetic.”
- Such options include steps to deter the regime, like announcing an aircraft carrier strike group is heading to the region.
- The officials said cyberattacks and information operations against the Iranian regime are also being considered.
The other side: Iranian officials threatened that Tehran will target U.S. military bases in the region if Trump orders an attack.
- “If they did the we will hit them at level they were never hit before,” Trump said on Sunday. “I have options that are so strong. If they did that I will hit them with very powerful force.”
What to watch: Trump said he is may speak to Elon Musk and ask him to help in restoring internet access in Iran via his Starlink satellite service after days of blackouts.
Source: Trump says he’s looking at “very strong options” for supporting Iran protests
