President Donald Trump is preparing to receive a formal briefing this week on a range of options to respond to intensifying protests in Iran, as his administration weighs military, cyber, and economic measures amid growing concerns about escalation.
The planned discussions come after days of public warnings from Trump and mounting violence inside Iran, where demonstrations have entered a third week and the death toll and arrests continue to rise.
Senior U.S. officials are expected to brief Trump on Tuesday on potential next steps, including limited military strikes, cyber operations targeting Iranian military and regime-linked systems, and additional sanctions against government figures and key economic sectors.
Other measures under consideration include boosting online anti-government messaging and providing technology to help protesters bypass internet restrictions, according to officials familiar with the planning.
While Trump has repeatedly threatened action if Iranian authorities use lethal force against civilians, administration officials have expressed concern that military strikes could backfire by rallying public support for Tehran or triggering Iranian retaliation.
The White House declined to comment on reports detailing the scope of the options under review.
Trump wrote on social media over the weekend, “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!
Iranian officials have warned that any U.S. military intervention would prompt retaliation against American military and commercial assets.
“If the US takes military action towards Iran or the occupied territories, the US military and shipping centers will be considered legitimate targets,” said Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.
U.S. officials say the options under discussion do not include deploying ground forces.
As Washington weighs its next move, senior officials acknowledge that developments in Iran could have broader implications for regional stability, particularly if military or cyber actions provoke countermeasures.