US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of potential military action even as Tehran reportedly seeks negotiations, following widespread protests across the country. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, had reached out expressing interest in dialogue. “A meeting is being set up… They want to negotiate,” Trump said, adding, however, that “we may have to act before a meeting.”
Trump emphasized that the US is closely monitoring the unrest, which has seen thousands of protesters take to the streets, with some casualties reported. “Some of the protesters were killed through the stampeding… some were shot,” he said, stressing that the US military is reviewing “very strong options” in response to potential threats.
Asked whether Iran had crossed any red lines, Trump declined to give specific military details but issued a stark warning about possible retaliation. “If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before,” he said. He also questioned whether Iranian leaders fully grasped the US resolve, citing past actions against figures like Soleimani and al-Baghdadi.
Trump did not provide a timeline for any action nor clarify whether coordination with allies is underway. Meanwhile, reports indicate that protests continue in multiple Iranian cities, reflecting growing discontent with the regime.
The developments come amid a tense backdrop of US-Iran relations, which have fluctuated between sanctions, diplomatic standoffs, and occasional threats of military intervention. Analysts note that while dialogue could reduce tensions, the situation remains volatile, with both sides signaling determination to assert their positions.
The coming days are expected to be critical, as the US assesses Iran’s intentions and the ongoing civil unrest, while Tehran navigates internal pressures and international scrutiny.
