U.S. President warns of “very strong options” while Tehran claims the situation is under total control.
Dubai/Washington, January 13, 2026: In a significant escalation of international tensions, the death toll from Iran’s ongoing nationwide protests has reportedly climbed to at least 646 people. The figures, provided by the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), reflect nearly three weeks of violent clashes between anti-government demonstrators and security forces. According to rights groups, the dead include 512 protesters and 134 security personnel.More than 10,700 individuals have been detained as the Iranian theocracy attempts to suppress the largest challenge to its rule in years.
U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance, repeatedly warning the Islamic Republic that the United States is monitoring the situation with “very strong options” on the table. Aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters that Iran had reached out to propose negotiations, but he cautioned that he might act before any such meeting takes place. “The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” Trump said. On Tuesday, he took to Truth Social to urge Iranian “patriots” to keep protesting and to “take over your institutions,” adding the cryptic promise that “HELP IS ON ITS WAY.”
In response to the crackdown, the Trump administration has already announced a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran, effective immediately. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted to foreign diplomats in Tehran that the situation is now under “total control.” He blamed the United States and Israel for inciting the violence to provide a pretext for intervention. Amid an internet blackout that has lasted over 100 hours, state media continues to air footage of pro-government rallies, characterizing the unrest as “American-Zionist terrorism.” Global leaders remain on high alert as the White House continues to review a suite of options, ranging from cyberattacks to direct military strikes.
