Washington – As protests continue to escalate across Iran following a severe economic crisis, U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing potential military options in response to a violent crackdown on demonstrators by the Iranian government. The situation,entering its third week,has already resulted in hundreds of reported deaths and mass arrests,raising the specter of broader regional instability. The governance is simultaneously reporting direct communication with Iranian officials seeking negotiation, even as Trump states the possibility of action remains on the table.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday, January 11, 2026, that he is considering potential military action against Iran following reports of a violent crackdown on protests against the Islamic Republic’s government. The escalating situation raises concerns about a wider conflict in the Middle East, a region already grappling with instability.
“It’s starting to look that way,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One when asked if Iran had crossed a “red line” with the killing of anti-government protesters. “We are looking at it very seriously. The military is evaluating, and we are considering very strong options. We will make a determination.”
Shortly after, Trump revealed that Iranian leaders had contacted him, expressing a willingness to negotiate. “They called. Iran called, and they want to negotiate,” he said to reporters on the presidential aircraft, adding that he is receiving hourly updates on the protests and his administration “is going to make a determination.”
“Perhaps we will have to act before a meeting,” Trump added.
The previous day, Saturday, Trump stated his government was prepared to “help” with “the freedom” of Iran, which has been shaken by growing public demonstrations against the country’s economic crisis. He had offered U.S. assistance to those seeking greater liberties.
Demonstrators filled the streets of the capital and Iran’s second-largest city overnight Saturday into Sunday, with online videos showing continued protests overnight Sunday into Monday. The protests reflect widespread discontent with the current political and economic conditions within Iran.
The suppression of protests across Iran has reportedly resulted in at least 544 deaths, according to activists, with fears of a higher toll. Crackdowns on demonstrations have been intensifying, and non-governmental organizations have reported a massacre of hundreds of protesters.
Iran Threatens Israel and the U.S.
Meanwhile, Tehran warned that the U.S. military and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if the United States were to use force to protect protesters. This threat underscores the potential for the conflict to broaden and involve other regional actors.
More than 10,600 people have been arrested in the two weeks of protests, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has accurately reported on previous unrest in recent years. Of those arrested, 496 were reportedly protesters and 48 were members of security forces.
With internet access cut off and phone lines disrupted in Iran, assessing the situation on the ground from outside the country has become increasingly difficult. Independent verification of casualty numbers is currently impossible, as the Iranian government has not released overall figures.
There are concerns abroad that the information blackout is emboldening hardliners within Iranian security services to carry out a brutal crackdown.
gs (afp, ap)
