Trump reportedly briefed on strike options as Iran tightens crackdown

US president Donald Trump has reportedly been briefed on possible military strike options as Washington weighs how to respond to Iran's crackdown on mass anti-government protests, Independent.co reports. Iran's security establishment has moved to tighten its grip: authorities warned protesters could face the death penalty, the military accused foreign "enemies" of fuelling the unrest and urged citizens to remain alert to what it described as "enemy plots." The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its intelligence wing had arrested a foreign national suspected of spying for Israel, officials blamed the US and Israel for inciting unrest, and state media said around 100 "armed rioters" had been detained.

Trump has stepped up rhetoric on social media, saying the US "stands ready to help" protesters and earlier warning US forces were "locked and loaded" if demonstrators were killed. Rights groups say more than 450 people have been killed and Iran-focused HRANA is now reporting the death toll has risen to 466, up from 116 and 65 in previous tallies.

Uncertainty remains over next moves and international responses: Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned the US and Israel that if the US attacks Iran it would consider the occupied territories and all US military centres, bases and ships in the region legitimate targets.

Key Topics

World, Donald Trump, Iran, Hrana, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Reza Pahlavi