U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing a range of responses to Iran’s ongoing protests, including military strikes, cyber operations, sanctions, and support for antigovernmental sources online. He confirmed he is in contact with Iranian opposition leaders and indicated a potential meeting with Iranian officials to discuss the country’s nuclear program.

“The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” Trump said on Air Force One, emphasizing the United States’ readiness to act if Iranian security forces continue to target protesters.

The Iranian government has limited information from reaching the outside world through several internet blackouts, intensifying the uncertainty around the scale of the unrest. Musk’s Starlink service could potentially restore connectivity, allowing more independent reporting and communication from within the country. Trump said he planned to talk with Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran through the Starlink satellite service, after authorities cut off connectivity since Thursday amid the unrest.

Iran Signals Both War and Dialogue

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told foreign ambassadors, “We are ready for war but also for dialogue,” while Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned Washington that any attack on Iran would make Israel and U.S. military bases legitimate targets.

President Donald Trump told reporters that Iran had approached the United States in an attempt to restart nuclear negotiations.

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President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the U.S. and Israel of masterminding destabilization, claiming that “terrorists … set mosques on fire … attack banks, and public properties.” He also urged families to prevent young people from joining rioters, while emphasizing the government’s willingness to address economic issues.

The Iranian Supreme Leader on Monday morning, in a post on X, likened Trump to Pharaoh and pointed out that all arrogant leaders are overthrown at the height of their pride, stating that “this one too will be overthrown”.

Protests Continue Despite Crackdown

The unrest, which began on December 28 over soaring prices, has evolved into widespread opposition to Iran’s clerical rulers—the biggest demonstrations since 2022. U.S.-based rights group HRANA reported at least 490 protesters and 48 security personnel killed, with more than 10,600 arrests. Iran has not released official figures.

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State TV aired funeral processions for security personnel killed in the unrest and footage of body bags at Tehran coroner’s offices. Authorities declared three days of national mourning “in honour of martyrs killed in resistance against the United States and the Zionist regime.”

Pro-government rallies were held across cities including Kerman, Zahedan, and Birjand, condemning “terrorist actions” allegedly led by the U.S. and Israel. Footage from Tehran and Mashhad showed large crowds marching, clapping, and chanting despite an ongoing internet blackout.

Israel on High Alert

Israeli sources confirmed the country is on high alert for potential U.S. intervention in Iran. Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the weekend regarding the possibility of assisting protesters.

U.S. Prepares for Multiple Scenarios

Trump is set to meet senior advisers to finalize next steps. Reported options include military strikes, cyberattacks on Iranian military and civilian sites, increased sanctions, and online support to anti-government actors.

“Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” Trump wrote on social media Saturday, highlighting U.S. support for the protesters.

Global Reactions

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Iran to exercise maximum restraint, emphasizing the importance of respecting freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. Meanwhile, some protests in the U.S. were held in solidarity, including a rally in Westwood, Los Angeles, where a rental truck incident injured several participants.