President Trump said Sunday the U.S. military is considering “strong options” on Iran as the country’s regime cracks down on growing nationwide protests.
When asked on Air Force One whether Iran is crossing a red line, the president told reporters “they’re starting to, it looks like.”
“There seemed to be some people killed that aren’t supposed to be killed,” Trump said. “But we’re looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it and we’re looking at some strong options and we’re going to making a determination.”
Trump said that he is receiving “an hourly briefing” on the situation regarding protesters in the country.
The president also revealed that Iranian leaders called him on Saturday wanting to negotiate.
“I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” Trump said.
“Iran wants to negotiate, yes. We may meet with them, I mean a meeting is being set up,” he continued. “But we may have to act, because of what’s happening, before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up, Iran called they want to negotiate.”
Protests challenging Iran’s theocracy have gained traction in recent weeks while the country’s leadership has sought to crack down on the demonstrations. Activists estimate that 538 people have died related to the protests, while 10,600 others have been detained, according to the U.S.-based Human Right Activists News Agency. The exact numbers are difficult to gauge because the internet is down in the country and phone lines are cut off.
The president said that he was going to speak with Elon Musk about potentially using the Space-X operated satellite constellation to help Iranians who have been hindered by the internet blackout.
Trump has warned that the U.S. would be prepared to intervene if Iran kills any protesters.
“If Iran [shoots] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” Trump said earlier this month.
