Trump weighs military strike options against Iran

US President Donald Trump has been briefed in recent days on new military options for potential strikes against Iran as he weighs following through on threats to attack the country over its crackdown on anti-government protests, according to multiple U.S. officials familiar with the matter.

While no final decision has been made, the officials said the president is seriously considering authorising military action in response to the Iranian authorities’ efforts to suppress demonstrations sparked by widespread economic grievances, Caliber.Az reports per The New York Times.

The options presented to Trump reportedly include strikes on non-military targets in Tehran. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive internal deliberations.

When asked about preparations for possible strikes, the White House referred journalists to the president’s recent public remarks and social media posts.

“Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before,” Trump wrote on social media on Saturday. “The USA stands ready to help!!!”

The protests were sparked by a sharp decline in economic conditions, including a rapid depreciation of the national currency and a significant rise in consumer prices. Official figures show that food prices have increased by more than 70 per cent over the past year, while the cost of medicines has risen by around 50 per cent following the removal of a preferential exchange rate for importers.

The first protests erupted on December 28, when traders at Tehran’s central bazaar took to the streets after the currency collapse. The demonstrations quickly spread nationwide. Mobile phone, electronics and household appliance vendors — who purchase goods in foreign currency but are forced to sell them in local currency — have been among the most active groups, later joined by students and other segments of society.

By Khagan Isayev