Trump: U.S. considering ‘very strong options’ on Iran amid rising protester death toll

President Donald Trump explicitly warned of “very strong options,” including potential military action, against the Iranian government following a deadly crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests, which has so far resulted in over 500 protester deaths. According to President Trump, Iran is “starting to” cross the United States’ “red line” by killing so many unarmed protesters, further threatening extreme consequences for any attack on American interests. Iranian officials have since vowed that any U.S. intervention will be met with a “regret-inducing response” against American interests. Iranian leaders specifically identified U.S. military bases, naval ships, and Israel as “legitimate targets” for retaliation.