In a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump suggested that Iran was approaching the United States' “red line.” “Well, they're starting to do it — that's what it looks like,” Trump said when asked if Iran had crossed the border yet.
— It seems that people died who shouldn't have died. These people are violent – you could call them leaders, I don't know if they are leaders. “I think they rule by violence,” he added.
The comments underscore how quickly the White House's stance is hardening amid growing unrest in Iran — and how little there is now between diplomatic pressure and the use of force.
Trump stated that he receives hourly updates on the situation in Iran and confirmed that The Pentagon is considering military responses. — We are considering it very seriously, the military is considering it. There are several options, he said.
When asked what those options were, the president reacted with irritation. “You want me to tell you what I will do, where I will attack, when we will attack and from where we will attack?” Trump replied.
The US president described the chaotic and violent situation on the ground, saying some protesters were killed by bullets and others by mass panic.
US President Donald Trump aboard Air Force One, January 11, 2026.Samuel Corum/Getty Images/Getty Images
— Some protesters died as a result of panic, there were so many of them. Some were shot, he said. “We will make a decision,” he said.
Activist groups estimate that over 500 people died in the protests and over 10,000. have been detained, although exact numbers remain unclear due to widespread internet and communications disruptions.
Tehran “wants to negotiate”
Despite the escalation of rhetoric, Trump revealed that Iranian leaders contacted the US administration over the weekend to enter into negotiations. — Iran called. They want to negotiate, Trump said. “We may meet with them… but we may have to take action before the meeting due to the current situation,” he added.
Trump saw contact from Tehran as a sign of weakness. “I think they are tired of the attacks from the United States,” he admitted.
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But the prospect of talks — no matter how small — underscores the tension between the administration's pressure campaign and the political risks of legitimizing Iran's leadership as protesters flood the streets.
“We are ready to act”
Trump also signaled that the administration is exploring other options to support protesters, including restoring internet access. — Maybe we can get the internet back. Maybe I'll talk to Elon [Muskiem]because, as you know, he is very good at this type of thing, he said.
However, the president coupled this with clear warnings. Earlier this month, Trump said the United Stateswill decide to intervene if Iran continues to kill peaceful protesters.
— If Iran shoots and brutally kills peaceful protesters, as is their custom, the United States of America will come to their aid. We are ready to act, he said.
Protests against the regime in Iran, Tehran, January 10, 2026.Rex Features/East News/Shutterstock/East News
He reiterated that any retaliatory action by Iran against U.S. interests would be met with overwhelming force. – If they do, We will hit them with a force they have never experienced before – he emphasized.
Analysts warn: talks may weaken protesters
Some Iran experts warn that negotiations — even preliminary ones — may backfire.
Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to countering threats posed by the Islamic regime, emphasizes in an interview with the Kyiv Post that the administration should focus on actions that directly undermine the regime's ability to suppress dissent.
He said the most effective immediate action would be cyberattacks to prevent surveillance and censorship, as well as targeted attacks on the internal security units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard.
Brodsky also warns against taking diplomatic action against Tehran at this time. In his opinion, negotiations now “would be perceived as an external intervention in favor of the regime, while the Iranian people are risking their lives to overthrow it.”
For now, Trump seems determined to consider all options — including diplomacy, but also the use of military force.
As protests spread and Tehran tightens its crackdown, the White House is signaling that the next move may not be Iran's alone. In Trump's case, the ambiguity itself is part of the message.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
