Danielle Kaye,Business reporterand
Claire Keenan
President Donald Trump has received briefings on a variety of covert and military strategies for potential use in Iran, as reported by two Department of Defense officials to the BBC’s US affiliate, CBS News.
Long-range missile attacks remain a viable option for possible US action, but Pentagon representatives have also outlined cyber tactics and psychological operations as alternatives, according to the sources.
On Monday, Trump declared a 25% tariff on imports from nations that engage commercially with Iran, while human rights organizations state that over 600 demonstrators have lost their lives during three weeks of anti-government unrest.
Iran’s foreign minister stated that Tehran is willing to engage in discussions with Washington but is also “ready for conflict”.
Trump’s national security team is slated to convene at the White House on Tuesday to explore options regarding Iran, the sources mentioned, though it remains uncertain whether the president will attend the meeting.
The US president previously indicated that his military was contemplating “very strong measures” to intervene should more protesters be harmed. Trump noted that Iranian officials had reached out for negotiations but mentioned that the US “might need to act before any meeting occurs”.
Discontent over the devaluation of the Iranian currency and poor economic management has escalated into a legitimacy crisis for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reported that an Iranian representative also reached out to Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, stating that Tehran’s public position is “quite [different] from the messages the administration is receiving privately”.
Nevertheless, she cautioned that the US president is “not hesitant to utilize military options whenever he deems it necessary”.
The two anonymous sources that discussed national security with CBS indicated that any potential US military action in Iran would likely involve air strikes, but planners are also evaluating strategies to disrupt Iranian command and communication networks.
The US has advised its citizens in Iran to evacuate or devise a departure plan that does not rely on assistance from the US government.
Khamenei accused the US of “deception” and depending on “treacherous mercenaries”, while commending pro-government rallies organized by the state in Iran on Monday.
He asserted that the “Iranian nation is a strong one, is aware of its enemies, and is present in every situation”.
State media reported large gatherings in multiple cities following appeals for pro-government protests. BBC Persian has documented text messages urging individuals within the country to participate in these demonstrations while also cautioning them against joining anti-government protests.
Separately on Monday, Trump declared via his Truth Social platform that he would implement a 25% tariff on products from nations that are “doing business” with Tehran, without providing further detail.
“This order is definitive and final,” he added.
Iran, already facing significant US sanctions, is contending with a deteriorating currency and inflation that has caused food prices to soar by as much as 70%. Food constitutes approximately one-third of Iran’s imports, and additional restrictions imposed by the tariffs may exacerbate shortages and elevate costs.
The White House did not provide further information regarding the tariffs. China remains Iran’s largest trading partner, followed by Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India.
This initiative may intensify pressure on Tehran as the Iranian government amplifies its crackdown on anti-government protests.
Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last shah of Iran now living in exile in the US, has urged Trump to take action “soon” to reduce the number of fatalities among demonstrators.
In a CBS News interview, Pahlavi stated that the current Iranian administration is “attempting to deceive the world into believing that (it) is again ready to negotiate”.
He characterized Trump as “a man who means what he says and says what he means” and who “understands the stakes”.
“I believe the president has a decision to make quite soon,” Pahlavi remarked.
At least 648 demonstrators in Iran have died, including nine individuals under 18, according to the Norway-based human rights organization Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO). Sources within Iran have informed the BBC that the actual death toll may be significantly higher.
The BBC and most other international news outlets are unable to report directly from Iran. An internet blackout initiated on Thursday evening has hindered efforts to gather and authenticate information.
