Trump: We’re considering very strong options on Iran

Trump says Iran is nearing his red line as protests escalate, warning the US is reviewing “very strong options” and monitoring developments “every hour.”

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday night that the US is watching Iran closely and weighing possible responses as unrest in the country grows.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that Iran is starting to cross his red line.

“There seems to be some people killed that aren’t supposed to be killed. We are looking at it very seriously, the military is looking at it and we’re looking at some very strong options,” he added, noting that he is receiving reports on the Iranian protests every hour.

He also warned Iran against attacking American bases in the region, stating that if they do, “we will hit them harder than they imagined.”

The President also revealed that Iran reached out to the US on Saturday and proposed holding talks on a nuclear deal. “We may meet them,” he added.

Trump’s comments came hours after the White House posted a cryptic message on social media amid the tensions with Iran and speculations that the US might launch strikes against the Islamic Republic.

“We have three things to say…GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS. GOD BLESS AMERICA. AND WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED,” the post said, alongside a picture of Trump with US troops in the background.

Axios reported earlier on Sunday, citing two US officials, that Trump is examining a range of possible steps to support the ongoing protests in Iran and apply pressure on the Iranian regime.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph reported that Trump had been warned by military commanders that additional time is needed to prepare for any potential strikes against Iran


Axios reporter Barak Ravid cited a US source on X, saying that it was a routine check-in call between the two countries.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
(photo credit: PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE)
In a phone call on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of US intervention in Iran, according to an Israeli source who was present for the conversation. A US official confirmed the two men spoke but did not say what topics they discussed.

Axios reporter Barak Ravid, citing a US source, said that it was a routine check-in call between the two countries.

Israel is on high alert for the possibility of any US intervention in Iran as authorities there confront the biggest anti-government protests in years, according to three Israeli sources with knowledge of the matter.

The sources, who were present for Israeli security consultations over the weekend, did not elaborate on what Israel’s high-alert footing meant in practice. Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war in June.

Protests have spread across Iran since December 28 in response to soaring inflation and quickly turning political, with protesters demanding an end to clerical rule. Authorities accuse the US and Israel of fomenting unrest.

Second stage of Gaza peace plan yet to be implemented

In Gaza, the second stage of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan has yet to be implemented. Both Israel and Hamas remain far apart on the more difficult steps envisaged for the next phase of the ceasefire, and have accused each other of violations.

The US recently conducted numerous “large-scale” strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria, in retaliation for an Islamic State attack that killed two US soldiers and one civilian in Palmyra, Syria, on December 13, 2025.

Syria’s government is led by ex-rebels who toppled former President Bashar al-Assad in 2024 after a 13-year civil war, and includes members of Syria’s former Al Qaeda branch who broke with the group and clashed with the Islamic State.


Reports: At least 2,000 protesters killed in Iran in 48 hours

Reports say Iran’s forces are using lethal fire on protesters nationwide, with at least 2,000 killed in the last 48 hours, amid a near-total internet blackout.

Protests in Iran

Protests in IranReuters

Informed sources told Iran International on Saturday night that Iranian security forces are using lethal force against protesters across the country, with early estimates pointing to mass casualties as a sweeping crackdown intensifies under a near-total internet shutdown.

Footage sent from Kahrizak, south of Tehran, shows several dead bodies in body bags. Eyewitnesses who provided the videos said dozens of bodies can be seen at the site, with additional bodies reportedly placed in another nearby industrial shed.

Earlier videos from Fardis, Karaj, and from Alghadir Hospital in eastern Tehran showed similar scenes of bodies on the ground, indicating what appears to be a mass killing unfolding in multiple locations, not limited to a few cities.

The internet blackout, which began on January 8, has made it nearly impossible to obtain a full picture of events. Still, the volume and consistency of reports reaching Iran International suggest that lethal force is being widely deployed to disperse protesters.

According to the news website, even the most conservative estimates indicate that at least 2,000 people have been killed in the past 48 hours.

Sources describe particularly intense violence in Fardis in Karaj and parts of Tehran, while stressing that similar reports are emerging from many other areas, including the western provinces of Ilam and Kermanshah.

Despite the near-total blackout, videos and messages continue to reach Iran International through limited channels, including Starlink users. These users are mostly in major cities and more affluent neighborhoods, leaving much of the country with little visibility. Even so, journalists say they are receiving credible indications that mass protests are continuing nationwide.

Footage published Saturday night showed protesters in Tehran’s Poonak neighborhood setting fire to a local Bank Melli branch.

Additional footage showed protesters in the city of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran pouring into the streets and chanting “Long Live the Shah”.

Meanwhile, a protester on Saturday climbed the balcony of the Iranian Embassy in western London, BBC reported.

The incident occurred during a protest held outside the building. Two people were arrested at the protest, and an additional suspect was sought for trespassing.

US Senator Lindsey Graham, who is considered close to US President Donald Trump, promised Iranian protesters “help,” promising that their nightmare will soon end.

“TO THE IRANIAN PEOPLE: your long nightmare is soon coming to a close,” Graham wrote in a social media post. “Your bravery and determination to end your oppression has been noticed by @POTUS and all who love freedom.”he protestors in Iran must prevail over the ayatollah. That is the clearest signal yet that he, President Trump understands Iran will never be great with the ayatollah and his henchmen in charge.

“To all who are sacrificing in Iran, God bless. Help is on the way.”

Trump wrote in a post Saturday on Truth Social, “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”