US-Iran relations: Trump keeping airstrikes 'on the table,' confirms White House

The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump is considering military options, including airstrikes, in Iran as anti-government protests continue to turn deadly.

"One thing President Trump is very good at is always keeping all of his options on the table," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday. "And airstrikes would be one of the many, many options that are on the table for the commander-in-chief. Diplomacy is always the first option for the president."


Leavitt added: "The president has shown he's unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary, and nobody knows that better than Iran."

Trump earlier said that the military is reviewing potential actions. "The military is looking at it, and we're looking at some very strong options. We'll make a determination," he said. The POTUS has also vowed that the United States would intervene if Iranian officials target peaceful protesters.

The unrest in Iran began in late December 2025 over worsening economic hardship, high inflation and the falling value of the rial. Protests started in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and spread across all 31 provinces. Millions have taken to the streets, demanding political change and the end of the Islamic Republic’s rule. Hundreds of died and dozens others remain injured.

Security forces have cracked down on demonstrators with live ammunition, tear gas and mass arrests. Rights groups describe the protests as some of the deadliest since 2022. Iranian authorities have also cut internet access and accused foreign actors of interfering.

The protests come amid heightened tensions following US-led airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. Washington said the strikes were intended to slow Tehran’s nuclear programme. Iran condemned the attacks as a violation of international law and vowed that its nuclear sites would continue development despite the strikes.