Trump escalates pressure on Iran as protest death toll mounts and military options loom

By The Inspirer.

As Iran’s deadliest unrest in decades intensifies, U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing sweeping economic penalties and potential military action, even as Tehran insists it is keeping communication channels with Washington open.

Trump late Monday announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran, dramatically raising the stakes for Tehran and its trading partners. The move comes amid a nationwide crackdown on protests that human rights groups say has killed at least 646 people, marking one of the gravest challenges to Iran’s clerical leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

“This order is final and conclusive,” Trump said in a social media post, offering no details on how the tariffs would be enforced or which countries would be targeted. The White House declined to comment further.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not respond to the tariff threat. China—Iran’s largest oil customer—condemned the proposal, warning it would take “all necessary measures” to defend its interests and opposing what it called unlawful unilateral sanctions.

Protests deepen, death toll rises

The protests, which erupted in late December over soaring prices and economic hardship, have evolved into open calls for the overthrow of Iran’s ruling clerics. According to U.S.-based rights group HRANA, more than 10,700 people have been arrested, with hundreds more deaths still under investigation. Reuters could not independently verify the figures.

Videos and reports reviewed by HRANA show grieving families gathering at burial sites in Tehran this week, chanting anti-government slogans despite heavy security.

Iran has imposed an internet blackout to stem the flow of information, though some citizens remain online via satellite services. State media has blamed the violence on what it describes as U.S.- and Israeli-backed “terrorist” groups, while focusing coverage on casualties among security forces.

Diplomacy and force both on the table

Trump has warned that the United States would respond forcefully if Iranian security forces continue firing on demonstrators. He has also said Washington is in contact with Iranian opposition figures and may meet Iranian officials.

Despite the rhetoric, U.S. officials say diplomacy remains an option. “What you’re hearing publicly from the Iranian regime is quite different from the messages the administration is receiving privately,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed ongoing communication with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, though he said U.S. proposals were incompatible with threats of military action.

Region on edge

Trump is expected to meet senior advisers to consider next steps, including expanded sanctions, cyber operations, and possible military strikes—options that analysts warn could ignite a wider regional conflict. Iran has cautioned that any attack would make U.S. bases and Israel legitimate targets.

Iran is still reeling from last year’s conflict with Israel, which weakened its regional influence and resulted in the deaths of senior military commanders. With oil prices hitting seven-week highs on fears of supply disruption, the crisis is now rippling well beyond Iran’s borders.

For now, both sides appear to be walking a narrow line—keeping diplomatic channels open while preparing for escalation—as Iran’s streets continue to challenge the foundations of clerical rule.

Source: Reuters