Washington is closely tracking the deadly unrest in Iran and assessing a range of military and diplomatic responses, President Donald Trump said on Sunday, warning that any attack on American forces would draw an overwhelming reply. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he had been briefed over several days on intervention scenarios and that the United States was prepared to act if its interests or personnel were targeted.Asked how the United States would respond should Iran strike American military bases, the president said, “we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.” The remark underscored a sharpened tone from the White House as protests across several Iranian cities turned violent, with security forces clashing with demonstrators and reports of multiple fatalities and mass detentions.
US reviews responses amid Iran turmoil as officials balance deterrence with efforts to prevent a wider regional confrontation. According to administration officials familiar with the briefings, the menu of options discussed with the president spans heightened force protection for US troops in the Middle East, expanded intelligence and surveillance operations, cyber measures, and, at the extreme end, limited strikes aimed at deterring attacks on American assets. Diplomats, meanwhile, are coordinating with allies to keep pressure on Tehran while urging restraint.
The protests erupted after a series of grievances converged, including economic hardship, allegations of corruption, and anger over governance. Demonstrations spread rapidly despite internet restrictions, prompting a heavy security response. Iranian authorities have characterised the unrest as foreign-instigated, a charge denied by Washington, which has said the protests reflect domestic discontent. Human rights groups have reported deaths and injuries among demonstrators, though figures vary and remain difficult to independently verify amid restrictions on media access.
US officials say the immediate priority is the safety of American personnel and facilities across the region, including bases in Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf. The Pentagon has reviewed contingency plans to reinforce air defences and adjust troop postures if intelligence points to elevated risk from Iranian-backed groups. Senior defence officials have cautioned that any move carries the risk of miscalculation, particularly given the density of armed actors and ongoing conflicts nearby.
Trump’s comments come against a backdrop of strained US-Iran relations marked by sanctions pressure and periodic flare-ups involving proxy forces. The administration has maintained that it does not seek war with Iran but will respond decisively to attacks. That dual-track approach—deterrence paired with a stated openness to diplomacy—has been a consistent theme in official messaging, though critics argue the rhetoric itself can inflame tensions.
Allies in Europe and the Middle East have urged de-escalation while expressing concern over the violence inside Iran. Several governments have called on Tehran to respect the right to peaceful assembly and to avoid excessive force. At the same time, regional partners hosting US forces have quietly coordinated security measures, mindful that unrest in Iran has, in the past, coincided with threats to US-linked sites.
Analysts note that the administration faces a narrow path. A forceful posture may deter attacks on US interests, but overt military action risks unifying factions within Iran and diverting attention from the protesters’ demands. Conversely, a restrained response could be read by hardliners as an opportunity to test red lines. The White House has sought to navigate this by keeping its options open while signalling resolve.
On Capitol Hill, reactions have split along familiar lines. Some lawmakers have backed the president’s warning as necessary to protect troops and deter aggression. Others have pressed for clearer guardrails, arguing that any military action should be tightly defined and coordinated with Congress. Calls have also grown for expanded humanitarian access and accountability for abuses linked to the crackdown.