Airstrikes are among options under review as Trump responds to escalating protests and violence in Iran.
Iran's protests, which are currently in their third week and have killed hundreds of people, have been denounced by human rights organizations.
"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 Jan. 12.
"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."
In light of the bloodshed in Iran, Trump informed reporters on January 11 that he is considering possible military options.
"The military is looking at it, and we're looking at some very strong options. We'll make a determination,"
he said.
Trump has already stated that if Iranian officials target nonviolent demonstrators, the US will step in.
What are the risks to US forces and regional allies if strikes occur?
US airstrikes on Iran would expose 40,000 colors across Gulf bases (Al Udeid, Bahrain, Al Dhafra) to massive ballistic bullet drumfires from Iran's 3,000 magazine, able of drenching Patriot defenses as demonstrated in April/ October 2024 attacks on Israel and Saudi Aramco.
Gulf Cooperation Council states Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar hosting US means come high IRGC targets, risking Abqaiq- scale oil painting dislocations (5 global force) through drone masses and voyage dumdums. Israel's Dimona reactor and Haifa harborage face heightened Hezbollah rocket fire( 150k shells), while Jordan's Aqaba harborage check threatens Red Sea trade.
Tehran's Axis of Resistance activates contemporaneously Houthis leaguer Bab el- Mandeb (12 global trade), Kata'ib Hezbollah strikes Baghdad/ Dohuk FOBs, Hamas/ PIJ launch from Gaza. Strait of Hormuz partial check (20 seaborne oil painting) harpoons Brent to$ 120/ bbl, driving 1979- style energy extremity.