Tensions between the United States and Iran are escalating as protests rage across the Islamic Republic over soaring inflation and unemployment. According to US media reports citing American officials, President Donald Trump is contemplating ordering fresh military strikes against Tehran in response to the Iranian government’s crackdown on demonstrators.
Senior US officials have briefed Trump on a range of military options, including precision attacks on non-military targets in Tehran. The New York Times, quoting anonymous sources, revealed that these briefings come amid widespread unrest that erupted on December 28, triggered by the plummeting value of the Iranian rial, which has driven up prices of food and essential goods.
Trump has long warned Iran against suppressing its people. In a post on Truth Social, he declared, ‘Iran is seeking freedom. America is ready to help.’ The US has openly backed the protesters, with Trump previously stating that any violent response from Tehran could prompt military action.
Iranian leaders, however, accuse Washington and Israel of fomenting the chaos. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took to X, criticizing the US for encouraging riots, likening it to tactics used elsewhere. Meanwhile, to quell the violence, Iranian authorities severed internet and mobile services nationwide on Thursday, leaving citizens cut off for over 60 hours.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, issued a stark warning: should the US launch attacks during the protests, Tehran would target American forces, shipping centers, and ‘occupied territories’—a veiled reference likely including Israel. As the standoff intensifies, the world watches closely, wondering if Trump’s deliberations will lead to open conflict or diplomatic maneuvering.
The situation remains fluid, with no final decision from the White House. Economists note that Iran’s economic woes, exacerbated by sanctions and mismanagement, form the root of the fury. Protesters chant against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, demanding better living standards and political reform. For Trump, this presents both a geopolitical opportunity and a high-stakes gamble.