US Officials Leave Door Open for Military Action Against Iran as Killings Continue
The White House has made it clear that all options are on the table when it comes to taking military action against Iran, citing "grave consequences" if the killings of antigovernment protesters continue. The warning came from Karoline Leavitt, the Press Secretary at the White House, who stated that US President Donald Trump and his team had communicated with Iran's government that if the killings persisted, there would be severe repercussions.
However, this stance appears to have been softened slightly by Trump himself, who earlier in the day claimed that he had received assurances from Iranian officials that the killings had ceased. This has led to a mixed message from the US administration regarding its intentions towards Iran.
The unrest began late last year and has spread across cities and towns, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 protesters, according to activist groups. The Iranian government claims that more than 100 security officers have been killed in attacks during the demonstrations, but these figures are not independently verified.
Despite Trump's softer tone, Washington has issued fresh sanctions against several officials, including Ali Larijani, who is accused of being one of the architects of the Iranian government's brutal response to the protests. The move suggests that the US remains committed to putting pressure on Iran's government.
The situation in Iran remains volatile, with a nationwide internet blackout hitting its one-week mark and security forces heavily reinforced in cities across the country. Meanwhile, the US military is reportedly on high alert, with Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warning that the government will use all necessary capabilities to suppress the unrest.
As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether the White House's "all options" rhetoric will translate into actual military action against Iran.
The White House has made it clear that all options are on the table when it comes to taking military action against Iran, citing "grave consequences" if the killings of antigovernment protesters continue. The warning came from Karoline Leavitt, the Press Secretary at the White House, who stated that US President Donald Trump and his team had communicated with Iran's government that if the killings persisted, there would be severe repercussions.
However, this stance appears to have been softened slightly by Trump himself, who earlier in the day claimed that he had received assurances from Iranian officials that the killings had ceased. This has led to a mixed message from the US administration regarding its intentions towards Iran.
The unrest began late last year and has spread across cities and towns, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 protesters, according to activist groups. The Iranian government claims that more than 100 security officers have been killed in attacks during the demonstrations, but these figures are not independently verified.
Despite Trump's softer tone, Washington has issued fresh sanctions against several officials, including Ali Larijani, who is accused of being one of the architects of the Iranian government's brutal response to the protests. The move suggests that the US remains committed to putting pressure on Iran's government.
The situation in Iran remains volatile, with a nationwide internet blackout hitting its one-week mark and security forces heavily reinforced in cities across the country. Meanwhile, the US military is reportedly on high alert, with Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warning that the government will use all necessary capabilities to suppress the unrest.
As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether the White House's "all options" rhetoric will translate into actual military action against Iran.