U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he leaves the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, January 9, 2026.
Brendan Smialowski | AFP | Getty Images
President Donald Trump is considering options for taking action against Iran, according to several reports published Sunday.
The president has been made aware of potential plans, ranging from possible military strikes to actions not involving the military, according to MS Now and other media outlets, citing U.S. officials. Trump aides are together On Tuesday, he will inform the president of measures, including military, cyber and economic, to follow up on his threats, according to reports.
Trump has threatened intervention in Iran in recent days, warning its leaders against using force against protesters. On Saturday, the president said the United States was “ready to help.”
The White House and the U.S. Department of Defense did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
The discussion over possible intervention comes as Iran’s religious leaders face the largest anti-government protests since 2022. More than 500 people have been killed amid third week of protests and lingering economic crisis, human rights say agencies. The Iranian government has intensified its crackdown on protesters, including announcing an internet shutdown.
Iran has been an Islamic republic since 1979, after the U.S.-backed Shah was deposed by Ayatollah Khomenei. His protégé, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also known as the Supreme Leader, is now in charge.
With an inflation rate above 50%, Iran – a country of 92 million people – has one of the highest inflation rates in the world.
Read more about CNBC’s politics coverageTrump threatened military intervention earlier this week if Iran decides to crush the protests. Tehran warned Sunday, that it would retaliate against Israeli and American military bases in the event of American strikes against Iran.
Some U.S. lawmakers on both sides have expressed skepticism about the prospect of U.S. intervention with Iran.
“I don’t think it’s the role of the U.S. government to get involved in every freedom movement in the world,” said Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. said Sunday on ABC News’ “This Week.”
Paul argued that bombing Iran risked rallying its citizens to the government’s side.
Senate Vice Chairman for Intelligence Mark Warner, D-Va., said on “Fox News Sunday,” that history shows the dangers of U.S. intervention, arguing that the U.S.-backed overthrow of the Iranian government in 1953 set in motion a series of events that ultimately led to the rise of the country’s Islamic regime in the 1970s.
Others were more hawkish, believing it was in the United States’ interests to act.
On Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., urged Trump to “embolden the protesters and scare the regime.”
“If I were you, Mr. President, I would kill the leaders who kill the people,” he said.
This story is developing. Please check again for updates.