The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump is considering military options, including airstrikes, in Iran as anti-government protests continue to turn deadly.“One thing President Trump is very good at is always keeping all of his options on the table,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday. “And airstrikes would be one of the many, many options on the table for the commander in chief. Diplomacy is always the first option for the president.”Leavitt added: “The president has shown that he is not afraid to use military options when he deems it necessary, and no one knows that better than Iran.”Trump had previously said that the military was examining possible measures. “The military is looking at it and we are looking at some very strong options. We will make a decision,” he said. The POTUS has also promised that the United States would intervene if Iranian officials targeted peaceful protesters.The unrest in Iran began in late December 2025 due to increasing economic distress, high inflation and the falling value of the rial. The protests began in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and spread to all 31 provinces. Millions have taken to the streets demanding political change and an end to the rule of the Islamic Republic. Hundreds died and dozens more were injured. Security forces used live ammunition, tear gas and mass arrests against demonstrators. Human rights groups describe the protests as some of the deadliest since 2022. Iranian authorities have also blocked internet access and accused foreign actors of interference.The protests come amid heightened tensions following US-led airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. Washington said the attacks were aimed at slowing Tehran’s nuclear program. Iran condemned the attacks as a violation of international law and promised that its nuclear sites would continue to expand despite the attacks.
