Trump Weighs Military Options Against Iran as Protest Death Toll Surpasses 500

Daftar Isi

en01.web.id – Tehran. U.S. President Donald J. Trump, speaking in Washington, D.C., said he is considering “very strong military options” against Iran following a sharp rise in deaths linked to nationwide protests across the country. Human rights groups reported that more than 500 people have been killed during weeks of unrest in multiple Iranian cities.

The large-scale protests began in late December 2025 in several urban centers in Iran, including Tehran, and continued into January 2026. The demonstrations were driven by mounting public anger over economic hardship, soaring inflation, international sanctions, and dissatisfaction with government policies. What began as peaceful rallies escalated after security forces launched crackdowns.

According to international human rights monitoring organizations, deadly confrontations occurred in major cities such as Tehran, the capital of Iran, as well as Isfahan, Mashhad, Shiraz, and Tabriz. Hundreds of civilians were reportedly killed during security operations, while thousands were injured or detained. Authorities also imposed internet restrictions in several provinces, limiting independent verification from inside Iran.

Speaking to reporters in Washington on Sunday, President Trump said the United States was closely monitoring developments unfolding in Iran and would not rule out firm action if the situation continued to deteriorate.

“We are looking at a number of options, including very strong options. What is happening to civilians in Iran is unacceptable,” said Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, during remarks delivered in the U.S. capital.

Trump added that his administration in Washington is coordinating with the U.S. Department of Defense at the Pentagon and with international allies in Europe and the Middle East, while stressing that no final decision on military action has been made. U.S. officials said the statement was intended as a warning aimed at pressuring Tehran to halt violence against demonstrators.

Iranian authorities in Tehran swiftly rejected Trump’s remarks. Nasser Kanaani, Spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said any foreign intervention would be met with a firm response.

“Any interference in Iran’s internal affairs will face a decisive reaction. The United States has no legitimacy to interfere in domestic Iranian matters,” Kanaani said in an official statement released in Tehran.

The Iranian government acknowledged unrest in several cities but disputed casualty figures reported by rights groups abroad. Officials in Tehran said security forces were acting to preserve national stability and accused foreign powers of exploiting protests across Iran to destabilize the country.

The growing standoff between Washington and Tehran has alarmed the international community. Governments and global organizations based in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have urged restraint and renewed dialogue, warning that a direct confrontation could destabilize the region and disrupt global energy markets.

As of Monday, January 12, 2026, protests and security operations were still ongoing in parts of Iran, particularly in major urban centers. World leaders continued to monitor the situation closely amid concerns that the crisis could escalate further if diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran fail.