Conflicts

Deadly Protests Intensify in Iran as White House Reviews Military Options

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Jan 12, 2026

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Widespread anti-government protests in Iran have intensified into their third week, resulting in hundreds of reported fatalities as state security forces escalate a crackdown. The demonstrations, described as the most significant since 2022, have spread to major cities amidst a severe economic crisis. Authorities have reportedly cut internet and telephone services to disrupt communication, while the Iranian army has threatened to join the Revolutionary Guard in suppressing the unrest.

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to be briefed on Tuesday regarding potential American responses. Administration officials indicate that options under consideration include offensive cyberattacks, the provision of satellite internet terminals to protesters, and targeted military strikes. President Trump recently stated that Tehran is "starting to" cross U.S. red lines and affirmed that the United States is ready to assist the Iranian people.

In response to the potential for foreign intervention, Iranian leadership has issued sharp warnings. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf declared that American military bases and ships in the region would become "legitimate targets" if the U.S. attacks. Meanwhile, energy analysts caution that military conflict could impact the Strait of Hormuz, a vital checkpoint for global oil transit, potentially triggering price spikes.

Domestically, U.S. lawmakers remain divided on the appropriate course of action. Senator Lindsey Graham has advocated for measures to pressure the Iranian regime and aid demonstrators. Conversely, Senators Rand Paul and Mark Warner have cautioned against military involvement, warning that strikes could backfire by rallying Iranian citizens behind their government or repeating historical foreign policy errors.

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• Military strikes risk rallying domestic support for the regime Senators Rand Paul and Mark Warner have cautioned that U.S. military strikes could backfire by causing Iranian citizens to unite behind their government. They warn that intervening militarily risks repeating past foreign policy errors rather than achieving the intended outcome.

• U.S. assets in the region would become targets for retaliation Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has explicitly warned that American military bases and ships would be viewed as "legitimate targets" if the U.S. launches an attack. This highlights the immediate physical threat to American forces stationed in the region should an escalation occur.

• Conflict could disrupt global energy markets Energy analysts warn that military conflict creates a risk of impacting the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a vital checkpoint for global oil transit. A disruption in this area carries the potential to trigger significant spikes in oil prices.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• A military escalation impacting the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt global oil transit, potentially leading to increased gasoline and energy costs for American households.

• U.S. military personnel and assets in the Middle East face a heightened risk of retaliation, as Iranian officials have threatened to target bases and ships if attacked.

• American resources could be deployed to support foreign demonstrators, with officials considering options ranging from offensive cyberattacks to the provision of satellite internet terminals.

• Domestic political debate regarding foreign intervention may intensify, as lawmakers remain divided on whether to apply military pressure or avoid risks associated with direct involvement.

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