On Sunday (January 11), US President Trump stated that the United States is closely monitoring the protests in Iran and considering various potential responses, including hardline measures. In response to the internet blackout in Iran, Trump also mentioned discussing the issue of restoring Iran’s internet communication with SpaceX founder Elon Musk.
Protests across Iran have entered the third week, marking the largest scale since 2022.
On Sunday, Trump returned to Washington from his estate in Florida. He told reporters on the way, “We will make a decision.”
During a press briefing on Air Force One, Trump was asked whether the Iranian regime had crossed his red line, as he had promised to take action against Iran if they killed protesters.
“They have crossed a line. Looks like it. Some people shouldn’t be killed… They rule by violence,” Trump responded.
The President said, “We are very seriously looking into this issue. The military is also studying it, and we are considering some very strong options. We will make a decision.”
He added that updates on the progress of the protests are being received every hour.
Trump also mentioned that following his warning of military action, the Iranian leadership called for “negotiations” and is “arranging a meeting.” However, he noted that “we may need to take action before the meeting.”
Massive protests in Iran triggered by a currency crisis and economic collapse are escalating, with protesters increasingly targeting the ruling regime, posing the most severe challenge to the Islamic Republic since 1979.
According to reports from human rights activists, over 540 deaths have been confirmed in the Iranian protests, with over 10,000 people arrested. The agency is monitoring protests in all 31 provinces and 186 cities in Iran. Due to the basic communication blackout in Iran, it is difficult to fully understand the scale of the protest movement.
Last Thursday, the entire Iranian network was paralyzed. Trump stated on Sunday that he plans to discuss the issue of restoring Iran’s internet with billionaire entrepreneur Musk.
When asked about potential collaboration with Musk’s SpaceX company, the President told reporters, “He is very good at these things and owns a very excellent company.”
SpaceX offers a satellite internet service called “Starlink.” Some protesters have managed to access the internet via Starlink terminals smuggled into the country, but the service has not been officially launched in Iran.
Trump openly supports the protesters and hinted at potential US military action against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s regime. The President posted on social media on Saturday, stating, “Iran is craving freedom at a speed never seen before. The US is ready to provide assistance anytime!!!”
Iran, on the other hand, threatens retaliation if attacked.
However, Trump stated, “If they do that, we will respond with unprecedented strength… I have very powerful response plans.”