Pentagon Presents Attack Options to Trump as Iran Protests Escalate

The Pentagon is briefing President Trump on potential military and cyber responses to Iran, while Tehran faces growing protests and communication blackouts. China warns against unilateral sanctions

The Pentagon is presenting a broad range of potential attack options to President Donald Trump targeting Iran, while diplomatic channels continue to be evaluated, according to U.S. officials cited by the New York Times. Potential targets include missile sites and Tehran’s nuclear program, which was already affected during the 12-day conflict in June.

Officials, however, indicate that the most likely options would involve cyberattacks or strikes against Iran’s internal security forces, which have been using force against protesters in the streets. Trump is scheduled to receive a briefing on the available options today, but any American response is expected to take several days and could trigger Iranian retaliation.

Meanwhile, China has signaled strong opposition to “all illegal unilateral sanctions” following Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on any country trading with Iran. In a statement issued by its embassy in Washington, Beijing emphasized that “China’s position against indiscriminate tariffs is consistent and clear. Trade wars have no winners, and coercion and pressure cannot solve problems. China will take all necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests.”

In Iran, limited international calling has resumed on some mobile phones after authorities in Tehran imposed a communications blackout as protests intensified across the country. Social media users and news agencies, including the Associated Press, reported testing international calls successfully.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that the country ordered the Internet shutdown after “terrorist operations” began during the protests, which initially erupted on December 28 in Tehran due to economic grievances. “The government was in dialogue with protesters. The Internet was shut down only after we faced terrorist operations and realized that the orders were coming from outside the country,” Araghchi said. Human rights groups, however, accuse the Iranian government of blocking the Internet to conceal repression.

As the situation develops, the combination of growing civil unrest, limited communication, and the potential for U.S. military or cyber action has created a tense environment in the region. Analysts caution that any escalation could have significant humanitarian and geopolitical consequences, highlighting the delicate balance between diplomatic engagement and military preparedness.

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