President Donald Trump says the US military is considering very strong options in Iran, as anti-government protests that have reportedly killed hundreds enter a third week.
The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) states it has verified the deaths of nearly 500 protesters and 48 security personnel, with reports suggesting the actual death toll could be even higher.
Trump has threatened to intervene, stating on Sunday that Iranian officials had reached out to him for negotiations, adding, we may have to act before a meeting.
Iranian leaders condemn demonstrators as vandals, organizing pro-government marches. The government also declared three days of mourning for what it termed martyrs in a national battle against the US and Israel, reflecting tensions exacerbated by the economic crisis.
The protests were sparked by the Iranian currency's decline and have escalated, challenging the legitimacy of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Moreover, the government has taken severe measures against demonstrators, resulting in over 10,600 detentions amidst the unrest.
There are various military options being considered by the US, including potential strikes and cyber approaches against Iran's military, although specific details remain scarce.
The protests marked the largest since the 2022 uprisings connected to the death of Mahsa Amini and reflect widespread discontent with the Iranian regime's handling of social and economic issues.
With authorities restricting media access and imposing internet shutdowns, the international community is struggling to obtain reliable information on the situation. The ongoing unrest poses significant implications for regional stability and international relations.
