by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – The Iranian regime is accused of killing hundreds of protesters over the weekend in what human-rights groups describe as one of the bloodiest crackdowns in the Islamic Republic’s history, even as U.S. President Donald Trump weighs a range of potential U.S. responses that reportedly include precision military strikes, cyber warfare, and expanded sanctions.
Iranian authorities intensified their response after cutting internet access nationwide last Thursday, making it difficult to verify casualties. Estimates from international media outlets and rights organizations range from 500 to more than 2,000 killed, with protests now reported in all 31 Iranian provinces. Hospital staff in Tehran and other cities say morgues are overwhelmed, with many victims suffering gunshot wounds to the head, according to the BBC.
Khosro Isfahani, a senior research analyst with the National Union for Democracy in Iran, told U.S. media that security forces are dumping bodies outside family homes to intimidate communities and deter further demonstrations. Despite the violence, he said, the uprising has not slowed.
“They are brutally killing people, but Iranians are not relenting,” Isfahani said. “They are staying on the streets, and the numbers are growing.”
Trump Briefed on Options as Tensions Escalate
The crackdown comes ahead of a Tuesday briefing for President Trump and senior officials, including Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth, on possible responses ranging from diplomatic and economic pressure to military action. While The Wall Street Journal reported that no immediate strike is expected, multiple outlets say Trump has already been presented with preliminary attack plans.
“Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The USA stands ready to help!!!”
A State Department spokesman warned Tehran not to test U.S. resolve, saying the regime is fully aware of Trump’s past willingness to act. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that Iran is “starting to” cross his red line by killing protesters and that the military is reviewing “very strong options.”
Iranian Threats Against U.S. and Israel
Iran’s leadership has responded with escalating threats. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that U.S. bases and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if Washington intervenes. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dismissed protesters’ grievances and accused foreign powers of fomenting unrest.
Iranian state media has downplayed the demonstrations, even as rights groups report more than 10,600 arrests in the past two weeks.
Exiled Voices, Global Protests
Exiled opposition figures say the unrest poses an existential threat to the regime. Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, has called for global demonstrations and urged supporters to raise the pre-1979 lion-and-sun flag. Protests have erupted in cities abroad, including London, where demonstrators briefly replaced Iran’s embassy flag with the historic banner.
Alireza Jafarzadeh of the National Council of Resistance of Iran said the movement is unprecedented in scale and unity. “This is not about reform,” he said. “It’s about ending dictatorship.”
Cyber Warfare and Starlink Considered
Among the options under discussion is deploying Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, to help protesters bypass Iran’s internet blackout. Trump said he plans to speak with Musk about sending satellite terminals into the country.
Officials are also considering cyber operations against Iranian military and surveillance infrastructure, additional sanctions, and measures to amplify antigovernment messaging online.
Region on Edge
Israel has reportedly gone on high alert amid Iranian threats, and Trump confirmed he spoke with Benjamin Netanyahu about the unfolding crisis. While the Pentagon has not yet repositioned forces for a potential strike, administration officials acknowledge the risk of escalation across the Middle East.
For many Iranians, however, the moment feels different from past uprisings.
“This time, the regime is weaker, more isolated, and exposed,” said Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group. “People have reached the point of saying: enough is enough.”
As President Trump prepares for Tuesday’s briefing, the world is watching to see whether Washington will move beyond rhetoric—and how Tehran will respond.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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