‘Trump Briefed on Military Options for Iran as Protests Continue’

News Desk 

New York: US President Donald Trump has been briefed on military options for a potential strike on Iran amid continuing protests in several Iranian cities, but has not yet made a final decision, according to reports by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

The reports said Trump is seriously considering authorising a strike in response to the Iranian government’s efforts to suppress demonstrations. The options presented to him reportedly include targeting non-military sites in Tehran, though no further details were disclosed.

In a defiant response, Iran’s National Defence Council warned that Tehran would not necessarily limit itself to retaliatory action if it perceives concrete threats to its security. In a statement carried by Iranian media, the council said Iran’s “security, independence and territorial integrity” constitute an “uncrossable redline.”

Any encroachment on those interests, the statement said, would be met with an “appropriate, targeted and decisive response.”

“Within the framework of legitimate self-defence, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not consider itself limited to reacting after the action and considers objective signs of threat to be part of the security equation,” it added.

Meanwhile, Trump posted on social media that “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”

The US State Department also issued a warning, saying: “Do not play games with President Trump. When he says he’ll do something, he means it.”

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As protests continue, Iran’s leadership has signalled a tougher response. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei indicated a coming crackdown despite US warnings, while Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad warned that anyone taking part in protests or “helping rioters” would be treated as an “enemy of God,” a charge that carries the death penalty.

“Proceedings must be conducted without leniency, compassion or indulgence,” Azad said.

Iranian state television and news agencies have aired footage purportedly showing protesters firing weapons at security forces, according to media reports.

The situation remains tense as demonstrations persist and international concern grows over the possibility of further escalation between Washington and Tehran.