Trump Weighs Military and Covert Steps on Iran Protests

President Donald Trump has been briefed on a range of military and secret options to respond to Iran's violent crackdown on widespread anti-government protests, with a key meeting planned at the White House today involving top security aides. The discussions come as demonstrators fill streets across Iran for a third straight night, facing security forces amid a near-total internet blackout and reports of dozens killed.

Background

Protests broke out in Iran several days ago, sparked by anger over economic hardships, corruption, and harsh government controls. Crowds have gathered in Tehran and other cities, chanting against the regime and its top leaders. Security forces have moved in hard, using force to break up the gatherings. Human rights groups report a rising death toll, with hundreds arrested and many injured. The government has cut off internet access to stop news from spreading and to block coordination among protesters.

This unrest follows years of tension between Iran and the United States. Trump has long criticized the Iranian regime for its role in regional conflicts and its treatment of its own people. In recent days, he has spoken out strongly against the crackdown. On Friday, he warned that Iran was in 'big trouble' and that if the government started killing protesters like before, the U.S. would get involved. He said they would hit Iran 'very hard where it hurts,' without needing ground troops.

Over the weekend, Trump posted online about the protests, suggesting the U.S. stands ready to help. He also spoke aboard Air Force One about possible talks with Iranian officials, saying they had reached out to negotiate because they were 'tired of being beat up by the United States.' A meeting might be set up, but action could come first due to the ongoing violence.

U.S. officials have watched the protests closely, sharing information with allies like Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, touching on Iran along with other regional issues like Gaza and Syria. The call was described as routine by those familiar with it.

Key Details

Trump received an initial briefing late Monday on options that go beyond standard airstrikes. Pentagon planners laid out plans for air power and long-range missiles as core military tools. But they also detailed cyber operations to hit Iranian digital systems and psychological campaigns to mess with command structures, communications, and state media.

Meeting with Top Aides

Today, Trump is due to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs Chair General Dan Caine. They will go over updated responses, including ways to boost anti-government voices online, deploy secret cyber weapons, add sanctions, and consider strikes. No final choices have been made, and one U.S. official said 'all options are on the table for President Trump, but no decision has been made.'

Other ideas include sending an aircraft carrier strike group to the region to show strength and deter Tehran. Information operations could amplify protester messages while targeting regime propaganda. Many in the administration think big military moves right now might hurt the protests more than help, so non-military steps are in focus.

Trump announced plans for a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran if that business involves the United States. This aims to squeeze the regime's economy further. New sanctions could target key figures, energy sectors, or banks.

"We'll be hitting them very hard where it hurts. And that doesn't mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts." – President Donald Trump

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stressed that airstrikes are just one of many options. She said diplomacy comes first, but the president is not afraid to use force if needed. She noted a gap between Iran's public statements and private messages to the U.S.

About 30,000 U.S. troops are in the Middle East, including 2,500 in Iraq and 1,000 in Syria. Any action would factor in protecting them from retaliation. Experts like former Pentagon official Mick Mulroy say strikes, if they happen, would likely hit regime units like the Basij forces blamed for protester deaths.

Protests on the Ground

Reports from Tehran describe massive turnout, with hundreds of thousands in the streets despite the risks. An Israeli defense source confirmed the scale. Internet blackouts have made it hard to get real-time updates, but videos and witness accounts show clashes, tear gas, and gunfire. The protests mark the biggest challenge to the regime in years.

What This Means

These steps signal a shift in U.S. policy toward direct support for Iranian protesters. Past administrations have imposed sanctions, but Trump's mix of tariffs, cyber tools, and strike threats adds pressure. It could encourage more demonstrations if people see outside backing, or it might push the regime to double down on control.

For the region, escalation risks wider conflict. Iran has proxies in Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere that could target U.S. forces. Allies like Israel watch closely, given their own tensions with Tehran. Oil markets could feel shocks if strikes hit energy sites, raising global prices.

Diplomacy remains a path. Private channels are open, and Trump mentioned possible talks. But with protests growing and deaths mounting, the window for talks may close fast. The U.S. State Department has posted warnings in Farsi on social media, telling Tehran not to 'play games with President Trump.'

Troop safety is a big concern. Moving more assets to the area would bolster defenses but signal readiness for fight. Sanctions and tariffs hit Iran's wallet, already strained by past measures. Cyber and info ops offer ways to disrupt without full war, letting the U.S. act below the level of open battle.

Former officials note the range from targeted hits on leaders or police to broader attacks. Intelligence assessments will weigh if strikes could topple the regime or just spark backlash. The protests give Trump a chance to back a popular movement, but timing matters—too soon or too late could change outcomes.

Leavitt reiterated that the president keeps all doors open. This approach mirrors Trump's style: maximum use through threats and tools. As the meeting unfolds today, eyes will be on any announcements or moves that follow.