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Monday, Jan 12, 2026
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Trump to Be Briefed on Iran Response Options as Protests Escalate and U.S. Considers Next Steps
President Trump will receive a detailed national security briefing on a range of strategies addressing Iran’s unrest, including cyber, sanctions and military options
President Donald Trump is scheduled to be briefed on Tuesday by senior officials on a range of possible responses to the intensifying unrest in Iran, as the United States weighs how to support demonstrators and counter the clerical regime’s hardline response.
The meeting, convened at the White House with key figures from the administration, is expected to explore multiple strategic options, including expanded sanctions on the Iranian government, use of cyber capabilities against selected targets, measures to bolster online information flows and, if necessary, direct military strikes.
The briefing reflects growing concerns in Washington about Tehran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests, which rights groups report have resulted in more than five hundred deaths and thousands of arrests in recent weeks.
Trump has repeatedly offered vocal support for the demonstrators, asserting that the United States stands ready to help, and has warned that if Iranian authorities cross defined “red lines” by killing protestors the U.S. may act.
Senior administration officials, including the secretary of state, the defence secretary and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are expected to participate in the Tuesday discussions, underscoring the breadth of options under review.
While no final decisions are anticipated at the briefing, the session will inform the president’s judgement on whether to pursue punitive economic measures, intensified support for anti-government sources, cyber operations or targeted military action.
Iran’s leadership has responded to the unrest with defiant rhetoric and warnings, including threats to target U.S. military bases should foreign strikes occur, and has attributed the protests to foreign interference.
The United States has not moved forces into position for immediate military action, and officials are conscious that any escalation could further heighten tensions in the Middle East.
Trump’s consideration of a layered approach — from sanctions to cyber operations — highlights his administration’s desire to balance pressure with the potential risks of deeper military involvement, even as the crisis inside Iran remains volatile and closely watched by global powers.
The meeting, convened at the White House with key figures from the administration, is expected to explore multiple strategic options, including expanded sanctions on the Iranian government, use of cyber capabilities against selected targets, measures to bolster online information flows and, if necessary, direct military strikes.
The briefing reflects growing concerns in Washington about Tehran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests, which rights groups report have resulted in more than five hundred deaths and thousands of arrests in recent weeks.
Trump has repeatedly offered vocal support for the demonstrators, asserting that the United States stands ready to help, and has warned that if Iranian authorities cross defined “red lines” by killing protestors the U.S. may act.
Senior administration officials, including the secretary of state, the defence secretary and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are expected to participate in the Tuesday discussions, underscoring the breadth of options under review.
While no final decisions are anticipated at the briefing, the session will inform the president’s judgement on whether to pursue punitive economic measures, intensified support for anti-government sources, cyber operations or targeted military action.
Iran’s leadership has responded to the unrest with defiant rhetoric and warnings, including threats to target U.S. military bases should foreign strikes occur, and has attributed the protests to foreign interference.
The United States has not moved forces into position for immediate military action, and officials are conscious that any escalation could further heighten tensions in the Middle East.
Trump’s consideration of a layered approach — from sanctions to cyber operations — highlights his administration’s desire to balance pressure with the potential risks of deeper military involvement, even as the crisis inside Iran remains volatile and closely watched by global powers.
