WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump announced on Monday a 25% tarrif on any country doing business with Iran.
He added on Sunday that he’s weighing military action against Iran’s leadership as nationwide anti-government protests there enter a third week and the reported death toll climbs past 500.
At least 544 people have been killed since demonstrations erupted across Iran, according to human rights groups monitoring the unrest. The protests, initially sparked by severe economic pressures, have evolved into widespread calls for regime change, with demonstrators openly chanting anti-government slogans — even during funeral processions for those killed.
“There seem to be some people killed who aren’t supposed to be killed,” Trump said on Air Force One as he travelled back to Washington from Florida. “The military is looking at it. And we’re looking at some very strong options.”
Iranian leaders, meanwhile, are issuing warnings while signaling openness to talks. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday that Tehran does not want war but is prepared for it.
“We are not looking for war, but we are prepared for war — even more prepared than the previous war,” Araghchi said in comments aired on Iranian state television.
The remarks appeared to reference last summer’s 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, during which U.S. stealth bombers struck Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran later retaliated with missile strikes on U.S. bases across the Middle East, though no American casualties were reported.
Now, Tehran is warning that U.S. military and commercial facilities would again be considered legitimate targets if Washington launches new military action.
Despite the threats, President Trump said Iranian leaders have reached out in hopes of negotiating.
“The leaders of Iran called — they want to negotiate,” Trump said. “A meeting is being set up. But we may have to act because of what is happening before the meeting.”
Inside Iran, the protests show no sign of easing. Video circulating online shows mourners chanting against the government during funerals in Tehran, defying heavy security crackdowns.
The unrest was initially driven by Iran’s worsening economy — marked by soaring inflation, a collapsing currency, and rising food and fuel prices. Shopkeeper strikes over price hikes quickly escalated into nationwide demonstrations challenging the ruling clerical establishment.
According to Politico, Trump’s aides are expected to brief him on Tuesday on potential U.S. responses. The options reportedly range from targeted military strikes inside Iran to offensive cyber operations aimed at the country’s leadership and security apparatus.
With tensions rising and warnings exchanged on both sides, the standoff risks igniting a broader regional conflict at a moment of heightened instability across the Middle East.
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