The Trump administration has indicated that all options remain under consideration as it monitors Iran’s ongoing crackdown on nationwide protests, which have intensified over the past several weeks. U.S. officials emphasized that while diplomatic efforts are ongoing, the administration is prepared to take further measures if necessary.
The warning comes amid reports from the BBC that Iranian authorities have demanded large sums of money from families in exchange for the release of the bodies of protesters killed during demonstrations. These allegations highlight the growing concern over the treatment of citizens involved in the unrest and have drawn international attention.
During an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting on Thursday, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz addressed the situation, stating that the administration continues to seek de-escalation but emphasized that the opportunity to resolve the crisis through diplomacy may be narrowing. “Iran says it’s ready for dialogue, but its actions say otherwise,” Waltz said. “President Trump is a man of action, not endless talk like we see at the United Nations. He has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter.”
The United Nations has reported that protests are ongoing, although on a smaller scale than in previous weeks. Exact figures and conditions on the ground remain difficult to verify, as the Iranian government continues to enforce a state-ordered internet and communications blackout. Observers say this limitation complicates efforts to obtain real-time information on the scope of the demonstrations and the government’s response.
In response to the crackdown, the Trump administration announced new sanctions on Thursday targeting five senior Iranian officials, who it holds responsible for what it describes as a brutal suppression of peaceful demonstrators. These measures reflect a broader U.S. strategy aimed at pressuring Iranian leadership to curb violence and respect citizens’ rights to protest.
“Our message to the Iranian people is clear: your demands are legitimate,” said U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “You are protesting for a noble cause, and the United States supports you and your efforts to peacefully oppose the regime’s mismanagement and brutality.” The statement signals continued U.S. solidarity with protesters while highlighting the administration’s focus on punitive measures against officials deemed responsible for human rights violations.
Human rights organizations report that as of Wednesday, more than 2,600 people have been killed in the crackdown, with nearly 18,500 arrested since the protests began. The scale of the repression has drawn widespread condemnation from international observers and advocacy groups, emphasizing concerns about escalating violence and the potential for further human rights abuses.
As the situation develops, U.S. officials have stressed that all policy options—including diplomatic engagement, sanctions, and other measures—remain under consideration. Analysts note that the combination of international pressure and domestic unrest in Iran may influence the government’s next steps, though the ongoing communications restrictions make reliable reporting challenging.
