On January 10, US officials revealed that President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of ordering new airstrikes against Iran, in response to the country's government suppressing protests and riots that broke out due to rising inflation.
According to leaked information, in recent days President Trump has been reported on a number of attack options, including airstrikes targeting non-military targets in Tehran, but has not yet made a final decision.
Previously, Mr. Trump also repeatedly made threats to Iran and publicly expressed support for the protesters on January 10.
Iran is moving towards FREEDOM, perhaps in a way never seen before. The US is ready to help!!!" - Mr. Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform.
Protests broke out in Iran on December 28 after the domestic currency collapsed, dragging down food prices and many essential goods.
The marches quickly escalated into widespread instability, with extremists clashing with police and attacking government agencies in Tehran and many other cities. Authorities cut off internet and telephone connections nationwide on January 8 to curb violence.
Iran accuses the US and Israel of colluding with the instability. "Because the Islamic Republic of Iran is like other countries, the US is pursuing similar measures by encouraging some individuals to cause chaos and riots" - Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on social network X on January 10.
Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei rejected the threats as "unfounded", affirming that the country "will not back down before saboteurs".
In June 2025, the US conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities to support Israel's 12-day airstrike campaign.
In response to the attack, Iran launched a series of missiles targeting a US base in Qatar, but did not cause casualties.
