President Trump considers possible U.S. action as tensions sharply rise in Iran
WASHINGTON (NBC, KYMA) - Tensions are sharply rising with Iran as President Donald Trump says he's considering a possible U.S. response to the Iranian regime's efforts to violently suppress protests.
Iran warned Sunday that Israeli and U.S. military bases in the region could be considered "legitimate targets" if a U.S. strike goes ahead.
Amid a deadly crackdown against anti-government protesters in Iran that human rights groups say has killed more than 500 people, President Trump confirmed he's weighing options for potential U.S. intervention, and said Iran called to negotiate.
"We may meet with them. I mean, it's a meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what's happening before the meeting," Trump shared.
Three U.S. officials tell NBC News preliminary plans the president has been presented with range from potential strikes to other non-military action.
Notably, the Pentagon has not yet moved major assets to the region to support possible military action.
Iran is now warning that U.S. and Israeli military bases in the region could be considered "legitimate targets" if the U.S. launches a strike, and said their response may not be limited to reacting after an attack.
"If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they've never been hit before. They won't even believe it, I have options that are so strong," Trump expressed.
Some Republican lawmakers are urging Trump to act while others warn of the risks of potential military action.
"To embolden the protestors and scare the hell out of the regime," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
"Sometimes it has the opposite effect. So, when you bomb a country, then people tend to rally around their own flag," said Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY).
The protests in Iran, initially touched off by an economic crisis, have evolved into one of the biggest challenges the regime has ever faced.
Over the weekend, demonstrators in Los Angeles marching in solidarity were struck by a U-Haul truck. The FBI is now investigating.
Also over the weekend, the Pentagon launched a second round of strikes against ISIS targets in Syria in retaliation for an attack last month, that killed three Americans.
The Trump Administration is vowing to "root out islamic terrorism" against U.S. forces.
