US Weighs Military Response as Iranian Protest Death Toll Surpasses 500

Tehran: The New York Times has reported that US President Donald Trump received a proposal to launch military action against Iran following the reported deaths of more than 500 anti-government protesters. Citing an unnamed US official, the newspaper said Trump had been briefed on possible intervention options but had not yet made a decision.

Trump, speaking separately, said the Iranian people were “seeking freedom like never before” and declared that the United States stood ready to assist. The US State Department cautioned Tehran, warning that Trump should not be underestimated. “If the President says he will act, it carries meaning,” a spokesperson said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added that Iran would “soon be freed from the yoke of tyranny.” European media also reported heightened movement of US military aircraft and equipment through air bases in Britain, from which the US coordinates operations in Europe and the Middle East.

Iranian Authorities Praise Security Forces

Inside Iran, the government has praised its security apparatus for its response to the unrest. Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf saluted the Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Basij militia, and police forces for what he described as their “brave action.”

Ghalibaf warned citizens that protesters would face firm consequences and stressed that those detained would be punished. Addressing the US and Israel, he said Iran would not escalate unless provoked, but vowed retaliation if threatened.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has vowed a crackdown, saying he would not tolerate foreign influence or domestic destabilisation.

Protest Toll Mounts

According to Iranian civil rights monitor Hrana, more than 500 people have been killed during the nationwide protests, including 490 demonstrators and 48 security personnel. The group estimates more than 10,600 arrests since unrest began.

Iran has not released an official casualty figure, but analysts warn Tehran may be cautious about escalating regional tensions amid speculation over potential new conflict. The country’s defences suffered significant damage during the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025, raising questions about its capacity to engage in another confrontation.

Hrana also reported that Iranian officials have threatened to strike US military bases should Washington intervene militarily on behalf of protesters.

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