skip to contentAdvertisementDonald Trump said the US was looking at “strong options” in response to the situation in Iran, where demonstrations have entered their third week.By: Express Web Desk January 12, 2026 08:51 AM IST First published on: Jan 12, 2026 at 08:50 AM IST ShareWhatsapptwitterFacebookPresident Donald Trump exits Marine One and prepares to salute Air Force Col Melissa L. Dombrock, deputy commander, 89th Airlift Wing, at Joint Base Andrews. (Photo: AP)US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he is considering a range of responses to the unrest in Iran, including possible military action, as protests continue across the country and reports of rising deaths and arrests emerge, Reuters reported.Speaking to reporters, Trump said the US was looking at “strong options” in response to the situation in Iran, where demonstrations have entered their third week. He has repeatedly warned that Washington could intervene if force is used against protesters.“There seem to be some people killed that aren’t supposed to be killed. These are violent, if you call them leaders. I don’t know if their leaders are just they rule through violence, but we’re looking at it very seriously,” Trump told reporters.“The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make it determination.”Internet shutdown and Elon MuskTrump also said he plans to speak with billionaire Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran, after authorities shut down services amid the protests. Asked whether he would engage with Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink, Trump said: “He’s very good at that kind of thing. He’s got a very good company,” according to Reuters.Story continues below this adIran has remained largely offline for days, with internet and phone services cut in many areas.Meanwhile, a US-based rights group said the crackdown has killed more than 500 people.Most ReadAccording to Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), 490 protesters and 48 members of the security forces have been killed, and more than 10,600 people arrested over two weeks of unrest. Reuters said it could not independently verify the figures. Iran has not released an official death toll.Also read Why Iran’s protests have pushed Donald Trump to consider military optionsTehran has warned against any US intervention. Iranian officials have said US military bases would be considered targets if Washington takes action.Trump said his administration continues to review its options as protests spread and international concern grows.AdvertisementAdvertisementLoading Taboola...