The Trump administration has renewed threats of military action against Iran, saying air strikes are among several options, supposedly intended to help street protests against the clerical regime.
As Tehran claimed that order had been restored, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said diplomacy remains the preferred path, although military force is still being considered.
She emphasised that President Trump keeps all options open, including air strikes. Iran has been shaken by the widespread protests, with security forces carrying out a deadly crackdown that reportedly killed as many as six thousand protesters.
Trump, who previously ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, has cited the government’s response to protests as justification for possible further attacks, despite concerns they would violate international law. Meanwhile, some US officials are urging renewed diplomacy, even as the White House claims Iran is privately signalling interest in negotiations.
On Monday Trump said he had imposed a 25% tariff on goods from countries trading with Iran.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE DAILY NEWSLETTER: If you would like to support our independent journalism at Good Morning World, please subscribe to our daily newsletter. It’s FREE and appears 7 mornings a week. As we prepare to install a fully-automated sign-up, in the meantime please send an email with the word SUBSCRIBE to ianrbrodie@gmail.com