US Considers Response to Iran as Pressure Mounts
By Paul Adams
Diplomatic Correspondent, Washington
Decision Time for the White House
President Donald Trump now faces a critical foreign policy decision as violence intensifies in Iran. Ten days ago, he warned that the United States could step in to protect Iranian protesters if authorities used force against them.
At the time, the president said the US stood “locked and loaded and ready to go.” Since then, reports have revealed the full scale of the Iranian government’s crackdown, drawing global attention and increasing pressure on Washington to act.
Administration Signals Uncertainty
Despite the growing urgency, the White House has not confirmed its next move. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that only President Trump knows how he will respond.
She added that the international community must continue to wait, as no final decision has been announced.
Strong Options Under Review
However, the waiting may not last long. Senior US officials are scheduled to brief the president on Tuesday about possible courses of action. During a conversation with journalists aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said he was reviewing “some very strong options.”
These discussions suggest that the administration is actively weighing its response rather than delaying action.
Military Action a Real Possibility
Recent US success abroad may also shape the president’s thinking. Trump recently praised the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, calling it one of the most successful US operations in history.
Given that outcome, military intervention could appear more attractive to the president as he evaluates how to respond to Iran’s unrest.
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