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- By Supratik Das
- Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:09 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
US President Donald Trump has said that military action against Iran is being actively considered following reports that hundreds of protesters have been killed during widespread anti-government demonstrations across the country. His remarks came amid escalating unrest in Iran, growing international concern, and renewed calls from Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi for sustained protests against the Islamic Republic.
US Military Reviewing Options On Iran
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, Trump said Iran appeared to be “starting to cross the red line” after reports of deaths during the crackdown. “There seem to be some people killed. We’re taking it very seriously,” the US President said, adding that Washington was closely monitoring the situation.
Trump confirmed that the US military was examining possible responses. “The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination,” he said. However, he clarified that no final decision had yet been taken, though military strikes remained among the options under discussion.
Trump also added that, “They called to negotiate. Yesterday, the leaders of Iran called. They want to negotiate. I think they’re tired of being beaten up by the United States. We may meet with them. I mean, a meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up."
Earlier, Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran was “looking at freedom, perhaps like never before,” and said the United States stood ready to help the Iranian people. He also warned Tehran that if protesters were shot, US involvement could follow.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the administration’s stance, stating that America supports the “brave people of Iran” amid what he described as a brutal crackdown by authorities.
The United States has previously conducted strikes on Iranian territory. In June, US forces reportedly dropped bunker-buster bombs on key sites, including the deeply buried Fordow nuclear enrichment facility. Those strikes, coordinated with Israeli attacks, followed heightened tensions during a 12-day Iran-Israel conflict and warnings from Washington against further escalation.
Reza Pahlavi Calls For 'International Support'
Meanwhile, Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi announced a new phase of protests, claiming that the foundations of what he called the “illegitimate Islamic Republic” were shaking. Citing figures from US-based rights group HRANA, Pahlavi said more than 500 people had been killed in one of Iran’s most significant protest movements in recent years.
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In a series of posts on X, Pahlavi urged protesters not to leave the streets and said international support would “soon arrive.” He appealed directly to Trump to assist the Iranian people and hinted at his own return to the country.
Pahlavi also called on demonstrators to target institutions responsible for regime propaganda, describing them as “legitimate targets.” He asked state employees and security forces to choose between standing with the people or remaining complicit with the regime. He further urged Iranians abroad to unfurl the Shah-era flag at embassies and consulates and remove the current regime’s banner.
The protests were triggered after the Iranian rial hit a record low, pushing inflation to historic highs. Food prices surged sharply, while anger mounted over a proposed 2026 budget that includes a 62 per cent tax increase. Shopkeepers and traders were among the first to take to the streets, with demonstrations quickly spreading nationwide.