As large-scale protests continue in several Iranian provinces, US President Trump said on Sunday that Iran seems to be nearing a “red line” set by his administration regarding the treatment of protesters.
Speaking to reporters, Trump asked if Tehran had crossed that line after reports of protesters killed. He replied, “They’re starting to, it looks like.”
Trump noted that Iran’s leadership was using violence to maintain control and warned that Washington was closely monitoring the situation.
US weighing ‘very strong options’, Trump.
Trump stated that the issue reviewed at the highest levels of government, including by the military. “There seem to some people killed that aren’t supposed to killed. These are violent – if you call them leaders, I don’t know if they’re leaders or if they just rule through violence – but we’re looking at it very seriously.
The military’s looking at it. We’re looking at some very strong options; we’ll make a determination,” Trump said. While he not detail what action the US might take, a report from the New York Times mentioned that he briefed on various military options.
Trump also claimed that Iran had contacted the US to suggest negotiations after he warned of possible action due to the protest crackdown. He mentioned that discussions were in progress to arrange a meeting, but he cautioned that action could happen first if the violence continued.
Why is Iran experiencing protests?
The protests began on December 28 in response to rising prices, inflation, and economic hardship. They quickly escalated into nationwide unrest, with reports of clashes between protesters and security forces in many cities.
Human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about deaths, arrests, and the use of force by authorities. Iranian officials have blamed the unrest on “rioters” and foreign interference while stating that economic issues will be addressed.
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