Trump's four options for striking Iran's teetering regime as protest death toll tops 2,000
Human rights monitors reported Tuesday that the death toll has climbed to 2,000. (Image: AP)On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced he had scrapped discussions with Iranian officials amidst their escalating crackdown on protesters in Iran, and pledged to assist the Iranian demonstrators after human rights monitors reported Tuesday that the death toll has climbed to 2,000.He provided no specifics about what form the assistance would take; though previously, the president had indicated that Iran wishes to enter negotiations with Washington after the White House revealed that the president is "unafraid to use military force on Iran."White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that whilst diplomacy remained Trump's "first option", he was "unafraid to use the lethal force and might of the United States military if and when he deems that necessary."Airstrikes would be one of the many, many options that are on the table for the commander-in-chief," Leavitt added, stating: "He's made it quite clear he certainly doesn't want to see people being killed in the streets of Tehran, and unfortunately, that's something we're seeing right now."The president's most recent message on his Truth Social platform indicated a change in his readiness to engage with the Iranian government."Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS! ! !" Trump posted in a morning message. "Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY."The U.S. could amplify anti-government voices online, launch cyber attacks against Iranian military and civilian infrastructure, impose additional sanctions on the regime, and conduct military strikes, according to The Wall Street Journal."If the U.S. decides it needs to act to protect personnel or assets, or to protect energy flows, then it has a range of tools, from cyber and sabotage to drones and missile strikes from air and sea," Matt Gertken, chief geopolitical strategist at BCA Research, told CNBC.Washington could also target nuclear or military installations, or government buildings to diminish the regime's capabilities and "deter the regime from disruptive actions," Gertken added."We're looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it, and we're looking at some very strong options," Trump told reporters on Sunday aboard Air Force One as he flew back to Washington from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. "We'll make a determination."The U.S. president is also weighing up non-kinetic responses, including cyber and covert operations, Politico reported. The publication stated the president was not anticipated to deploy American troops into the country.President Donald Trump said he cancelled talks with Iranian officials amid intensifying protests (Image: Getty)What's happening in Iran?Demonstrations have erupted across 187 cities and towns spanning all 31 Iranian provinces since unrest ignited in late December, when shopkeepers flooded Tehran's streets voicing fury over the rial's dramatic plunge against the US dollar on unofficial markets.Students from universities quickly swelled the ranks of demonstrators as demands for broader political reform took centre stage, with protesters heard shouting slogans denouncing the nation's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.The Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), a U.S.-based Iranian organization, reported that 512 protestors and 134 security personnel had been confirmed killed since the protests began.A demonstrator shouts during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran (Image: AP)Additionally, the organisation revealed it had documented 579 further fatality reports currently awaiting verification.Washington is weighing up options to restore internet access in Iran. "We may get the internet going, if that's possible," Trump told reporters.Get More of Our News on GoogleSet Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value. "We may speak to Elon Musk. I'm going to call him as soon as I'm finished with you."Tehran has allegedly blocked Musk's Starlink service amid the ongoing demonstrations.
