White House: Trump Weighing Air Strikes on Iran Amid Protest Crackdown
President Donald Trump is keeping the option of U.S. military air strikes on the table as Iran intensifies its crackdown on nationwide protests, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Monday.
Speaking to reporters outside the West Wing, Leavitt said Trump is monitoring the situation closely and remains open to a range of actions. “One thing President Trump is very good at is always keeping all of his options on the table. And air strikes would be one of the many, many options that are on the table for the commander in chief,” she said.
The administration has signaled growing concern over reports that Iranian authorities are using lethal force against protesters. “He certainly doesn’t want to see people being killed in the streets of Tehran,” Leavitt added. “And unfortunately that’s something we’re seeing right now.”
Backchannel Diplomacy Still in Motion
Despite the escalating rhetoric, the White House also revealed that a private line of communication remains open between the two governments.
According to Leavitt, Iran has adopted a “far different tone” in private discussions than what is being broadcast publicly. “What you’re hearing publicly from the Iranian regime is quite different from the messages the administration is receiving privately, and I think the president has an interest in exploring those messages,” she said.
Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed ongoing contact between its top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff. The diplomatic backchannel continues even though the U.S. and Iran have no formal diplomatic ties.
Trump: Tehran May Have Crossed the Line
President Trump said Sunday that the U.S. was reviewing “very strong options” in response to what he described as Iranian leadership crossing a red line. “It looks like they’ve crossed it,” he said, referring to the killing of protesters. “They’ve reached out for a meeting, but we may have to act before a meeting.”
Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran that violence against demonstrators would trigger consequences. With reports of mounting deaths, pressure is building for a more decisive U.S. response.
Tensions Rising, But Door Not Closed
Rights groups report a rising death toll, even as Iran attempts to silence dissent through arrests, threats, and an internet blackout. The White House appears to be balancing the threat of force with a willingness to negotiate — if Iran is serious.
“Diplomacy is always the first option for the president,” Leavitt said. “But he will not tolerate mass killings, and he’s watching very, very closely.”
As the crisis deepens, all eyes are on whether Iran adjusts course — or whether Trump decides to strike.