Washington, D.C. — January 12, 2026 U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One while returning from Florida to Washington, issued his strongest public warning yet to Iran, stating that “very powerful options” — including military action — are under serious consideration as the Islamic Republic faces its most widespread domestic unrest in years.
“Iran is crossing our red lines,” Trump told reporters. “We have very powerful options on the table. Military options are absolutely included.”
The comments come amid ongoing nationwide protests in Iran that began in late December over economic hardship and rapidly escalated into open calls for regime change. Iranian human rights groups report more than 500 deaths in the crackdown, with some exile organizations claiming the toll could exceed 2,000. Thousands have been arrested.
The Trump administration has intensified contacts with Iranian opposition figures. The president confirmed he plans to discuss restoring internet access inside Iran with Elon Musk, specifically mentioning the possible use of **Starlink** satellites to bypass the government’s near-total internet blackout.
Trump also revealed that Iranian officials reached out yesterday regarding nuclear negotiations. “They want to talk. They’re tired. We’re arranging a meeting,” he said, while emphasizing that the U.S. would not rush into talks without significant concessions.
According to reports from Israeli media and U.S. television sources, President Trump has been briefed on a range of military and non-military options targeting Iran’s security forces, including precision strikes, expanded cyber operations, and additional sanctions. Sources indicate the administration is seriously weighing support for opposition groups inside the country.
In a related development, Iranian state media announced a **three-day national mourning period** for those killed while “resisting the United States and the Zionist regime.” Authorities have organized a major pro-government rally at **Enghelab (Revolution) Square** in Tehran this afternoon.
Tensions have spilled beyond Iran’s borders. In London, Iranian protesters removed the current Islamic Republic flag from outside the Iranian Embassy and replaced it with the pre-1979 **Lion and Sun** flag. Iran has summoned the British ambassador in response.
Elsewhere, President Trump mentioned ongoing coordination with Venezuela’s opposition leader María Corina Machado, with a meeting scheduled for Tuesday or Wednesday, and reiterated his interest in bringing **Greenland** under fuller U.S. control, stating: “They should make a deal with us.”
As Iran enters its third week of protests and the United States openly discusses military, cyber, and opposition-support options, the crisis has become the most serious challenge to the Islamic Republic since 2019 — and the most direct U.S.-Iran confrontation since the 2020 killing of General Qasem Soleimani.
The situation remains highly fluid, with analysts warning that any miscalculation could rapidly escalate into a broader regional conflict.
