U.S. President Donald Trump has recently been briefed on new military strike options against Iran, The New York Times reported on Saturday, citing several U.S. officials familiar with the matter, DKNews.kz reports.
According to the report, Trump has not yet made a final decision. However, officials say he is seriously considering authorizing a strike in response to the Iranian government’s efforts to violently suppress mass protests fueled by deep economic dissatisfaction across the country.
Sources noted that the president was presented with several scenarios, including limited strikes on non-military targets in Tehran. The discussions reportedly focus on applying pressure rather than launching a full-scale military operation.
Earlier on Saturday, Trump wrote on social media that “Iran is seeking FREEDOM, perhaps more than ever before. The United States stands ready to help!!!” U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that Washington would take action if Iranian authorities continue to kill peaceful protesters.
Tehran has strongly rejected these statements. Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as “interventionist and misleading” remarks by the Trump administration, saying they reflect Washington’s ongoing hostility toward the Iranian people.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December, driven by a sharp collapse of the national currency, soaring prices, and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and expressed willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.
In a televised address on Friday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged the nation to remain united, claiming that some protesters are acting to please the United States. He also advised Trump to focus on problems within his own country, adding that Iran “will not back down” in the face of what he described as sabotage.
The situation remains highly tense. Any U.S. decision regarding military action against Iran could have far-reaching consequences not only for regional stability in the Middle East, but also for global security and financial markets.
