President Donald Trump has moved one step closer to direct military intervention in Iran. Speaking from Air Force One on Sunday, Trump declared that the Iranian regime has "crossed the red line" following reports that security forces have killed over 500 people in a brutal crackdown on nationwide protests.

Rights groups, including the US-based HRANA, estimate the death toll at 538—including 490 protesters and 48 security personnel. The violence, sparked by the collapse of the Rial, has seen the IRGC deploy snipers and machine guns against unarmed civilians in Tehran, Karaj, and Mahshahr.

"Very Strong Options"

When asked if he would order strikes, Trump was ominous. "The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options," he said. Sources say the Pentagon has briefed the President on targets including IRGC command centers, drone factories, and potentially the Kharg Island oil terminal.

• The "Rescue" Doctrine: Trump reiterated his pledge to "rescue" the Iranian people, framing the intervention as a humanitarian mission. "Iran is looking at FREEDOM," he posted on Truth Social. This rhetoric mirrors the justification used for the Venezuela operation last week.
• Tehran’s Response: The regime remains defiant. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that any US attack would make American bases in the region "legitimate targets." He claimed, without evidence, that the US is orchestrating the unrest via cyber-warfare.
• The Negotiation Bluff: Interestingly, Trump claimed that Iranian leaders have privately reached out to negotiate. "I think they’re tired of being beat up," he said. Analysts view this as Trump offering an "off-ramp" before the missiles fly—surrender or be destroyed.

A Region on Edge

Israel has reportedly put its air force on high alert, anticipating a coordinated strike with the US. Gulf states, fearing Iranian retaliation, are urging caution. But with the death toll rising by the hour and the internet still blacked out, the window for diplomacy is closing fast. The world is watching to see if 2026 will bring another Middle East war.