Trump Weighs Potential Military Intervention in Iran

President Donald Trump has been weighing a range of options against Iran amid the country’s crackdown on protesters that human rights groups say has killed more than 500 people.

Trump has said publicly that he may take action if Iranian leaders killed protesters challenging Iran’s theocracy, as demonstrations entered their second week despite an increasingly aggressive crackdown.

According to three U.S. officials, the president has been presented with preliminary plans ranging from possible strikes to other options that would not entail military action. No final decision has been made, the officials said.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday evening as it approached Washington, D.C., Trump said he’s receiving hourly reports on violence against protesters. The president said a meeting with Iran's leadership was in the works after officials from the country "called to negotiate" on Saturday.

"The leaders of Iran, they want to negotiate," Trump said. "I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States. Iran wants to negotiate with us."

The president added that ongoing bloodshed could nudge the United States to act before a meeting could take place.

"We may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting," Trump said.

In a brief interview with NBC News on Sunday night, Trump said he’s being briefed on the situation on the ground in Iran on the hour “or less.” Asked whether if a U.S. response could happen in the coming days, the president said, “It could happen.”

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said Sunday that at least 544 people have been killed. The Norway-based group Iran Human Rights also cited unverified reports that several hundred people may have been killed.

An internet blackout in Iran has made it difficult for journalists and human rights groups to independently verify reports from inside the country.

Iran warned Trump on Sunday that Israeli and U.S. military bases in the region could be considered “legitimate targets” if a strike goes ahead.

“If the United States launches a military attack, both the occupied territory and U.S. military and maritime centers will be our legitimate targets,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Sunday in remarks aired on Iranian state television, referring to Israel as the occupied territory.

“Within the framework of legitimate defense, we do not limit ourselves to reacting after an attack,” he added.

Trump responded with his own threats as he spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One.

"If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before. I have options that are so strong," the president said. "If they did that, they would be met with a very powerful force."

Trump last week threatened military intervention if Iran moves to crush the protests. Addressing its leaders Friday, he said: “You better not start shooting, because we’ll start shooting, too.” He offered further support for the protesters Saturday, saying on Truth Social: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”