President Donald Trump says the US military is considering 'very strong options' in Iran, as anti-government protests which have reportedly killed hundreds enter a third week. The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) claims to have verified the deaths of nearly 500 protesters and 48 security personnel in Iran, while sources tell the BBC that the death toll could be much higher.
Trump has threatened to intervene and mentioned that Iranian officials had reached out for negotiations, but he added, 'we may have to act before a meeting'. Iranian leaders have described the demonstrators as a 'bunch of vandals' and called on supporters to join pro-government rallies.
The Iranian government announced three days of mourning for what it calls 'martyrs' killed in the 'national battle against the US and Israel'. Protests erupted over the depreciating value of the Iranian currency, spiraling into a legitimacy crisis for Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
While specific military strategies from the Trump administration remain unclear, options may include airstrikes, cyber-attacks, or increased sanctions. The unrest has led to over 10,600 arrests and increasing tensions as protests continue amid a crackdown by authorities.
Footage from various locations shows alarming scenes, including numerous body bags and severe injuries among protesters. Access to information is severely restricted as the Iranian government has implemented an internet shutdown.
The protests have been described as the biggest since the 2022 nationwide demonstrations sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, causing widespread calls for reform and justice. As complexities unfold, the situation remains highly volatile with the potential for international consequences.
Trump has threatened to intervene and mentioned that Iranian officials had reached out for negotiations, but he added, 'we may have to act before a meeting'. Iranian leaders have described the demonstrators as a 'bunch of vandals' and called on supporters to join pro-government rallies.
The Iranian government announced three days of mourning for what it calls 'martyrs' killed in the 'national battle against the US and Israel'. Protests erupted over the depreciating value of the Iranian currency, spiraling into a legitimacy crisis for Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
While specific military strategies from the Trump administration remain unclear, options may include airstrikes, cyber-attacks, or increased sanctions. The unrest has led to over 10,600 arrests and increasing tensions as protests continue amid a crackdown by authorities.
Footage from various locations shows alarming scenes, including numerous body bags and severe injuries among protesters. Access to information is severely restricted as the Iranian government has implemented an internet shutdown.
The protests have been described as the biggest since the 2022 nationwide demonstrations sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, causing widespread calls for reform and justice. As complexities unfold, the situation remains highly volatile with the potential for international consequences.
