Trump keeps Military option open as Iran crises deepens
U.S. President Donald Trump is keeping “all options on the table,” including possible military intervention, amid the escalating crisis in Iran, the White House confirmed on Thursday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the administration is closely monitoring developments and warned of “grave consequences” if violence against protesters continues.
Trump Threatens Action over Iran’s Handling of Unrest
Leavitt said President Trump has not ruled out the use of force, citing the Iranian government’s response to widespread unrest triggered by the sharp fall of the national currency, the rial.
“The president and his team are closely monitoring this situation,” she said during a press briefing.
Protests Escalate From Economic Grievances to Violence
Protests erupted in late December over rising prices and economic hardship. While initially peaceful, demonstrations later escalated into violent clashes, leading to casualties and widespread damage to public property, including mosques, government buildings, and banks.
Iranian authorities have accused the United States and Israel of interfering and fueling the unrest, while warning against vandalism and instability.
U.S. Military Adjusts Presence in the Middle East
As tensions rise, the United States is reportedly evacuating troops from some Middle East bases while simultaneously deploying additional forces to the region, according to Axios.
The moves reflect growing concerns over regional security amid the Iran crisis.
Diplomatic Efforts Intensify Behind the Scenes
Diplomatic maneuvering is also underway. The New York Times reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with President Trump on Wednesday, urging him to delay any potential U.S. military strike on Iran, which Trump has reportedly been considering for several days.
Washington Imposes New Sanctions on Iran
On the economic front, the U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions on Thursday targeting 13 entities and 11 individuals linked to Iran.
Those sanctioned include Iranian citizens associated with law enforcement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the energy sector. The list also includes a prison in Iran’s Alborz province and eight companies based in the United Arab Emirates.
Iran Urges UN to Oppose Foreign Interference
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has written to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, calling for opposition to what he described as “all forms of foreign interference” in Iran.
In the letter, Araghchi claimed that “terrorists” exploited peaceful economic protests and turned them into armed riots.
Iran Accuses U.S. of Inciting Violence
Araghchi accused former and current U.S. officials of making provocative statements that directly incited violence and terrorism inside Iran.
He warned that repeated U.S. threats of force violate the UN Charter and international law, and urged the United Nations to condemn terrorist acts and external interference in Iran’s sovereignty.
Iran Arrests Alleged Riot Ringleaders
Iran’s Intelligence Ministry announced the arrest of six alleged ringleaders involved in recent riots in Kerman Province.
Authorities claim the suspects photographed sensitive military sites and attempted to transmit images and coordinates to individuals linked to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. The attempt reportedly failed due to network disruptions.
Security forces also seized firearms, stun guns, tear gas, and large quantities of bomb-making materials during the operation.
