Tehran witnessed pro-regime demonstrations as internal protests and external pressures, particularly from the United States, intensified. Human rights sources reported that more than 500 people have been killed amid a continuing internet blackout.

The U.S. has announced it is considering “very severe” measures in response to the repression.

U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration is exploring a wide range of options. According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, the potential measures include military strikes, cyberattacks, expanded sanctions, and providing online support to anti-regime groups.

Trump said he is in contact with Iranian opposition leaders and indicated the United States may meet with Iranian officials following Tehran’s outreach on its nuclear program, which was targeted during Israeli and U.S. strikes in a 12-day war last June. Trump is scheduled to meet with top advisers on Tuesday to discuss the Iranian file.

No final decisions are expected during the meeting, as discussions remain in the early stages.

Senior administration staff have reportedly expressed concern that any U.S. or Israeli support for protesters could fuel the regime’s narrative that foreign powers are behind the uprising.

The Pentagon has not moved troops for potential military strikes, noting that deploying forces would be required not only for attacks but also to protect U.S. personnel. The U.S. recently repositioned the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its combat group from the Mediterranean to Latin America, leaving no carriers in the Middle East or Europe.

Among the options being discussed is sending Starlink satellite internet devices to Iran, enabling protesters to bypass the ongoing internet shutdown. Some officials caution that symbolic actions that fail to weaken the regime could disappoint protesters.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi described the merchants’ protests that erupted on Dec. 28 as “peaceful and legitimate according to the constitution” but accused “armed terrorist groups” of infiltrating the demonstrations to provoke violence. He claimed authorities possess evidence showing that most victims were shot “from the back.”

Dozens of bodies in bags in Tehran (AFP).

Thousands of Iranians demonstrated in Tehran on Monday, supporting the authorities and mourning security personnel killed during the unrest, waving flags and reciting prayers for those they say died at the hands of “rioters.”


According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 490 protesters and 48 security personnel have been killed, with more than 10,600 arrests. Iranian authorities have not released official figures.