Today saw a sharp exchange of rhetoric between US and Iranian leaders. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington is weighing “very strong options” to respond, following earlier statements that he would act if protesters were killed. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dismissed US criticism, calling on “American politicians” to stop what he described as deception, while praising state-backed pro-government rallies held across the country.
In the past hour, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that air strikes remain among the “many options” President Trump is considering.
BBC diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams says Trump now faces a difficult choice: either follow through on his threats or refrain from action while protesters continue to be killed, risking political embarrassment.
BBC Verify has been reviewing footage from the violent protests as well as images from a Tehran mortuary. Meanwhile, Iran remains under an internet blackout that has lasted more than 96 hours. BBC Persian has spoken to Iranians about the severe impact of being cut off from digital communication.
Earlier, our experts addressed key questions, including whether this crisis poses the greatest threat to Iran’s Islamic Republic since its founding, what President Trump has said about possible intervention, and what military capabilities Iran still possesses.
We are now pausing our live coverage. You can continue following developments through our main news story and analysis from our international correspondent.
‘Air strikes one of many options on the table’ – Karoline Leavitt
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump is continuing to consider the use of air strikes in response to the situation in Iran.
Speaking to reporters, she said Trump is known for keeping “all of his options on the table,” adding that air strikes remain one of several possible responses. While diplomacy remains the president’s preferred approach, Leavitt emphasized that Trump is willing to use US military force if he believes it is necessary.
She noted that Iran is well aware of this stance, referencing US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last summer, which Trump claimed caused significant damage.
Leavitt also said that public statements from Iran’s leadership differ greatly from private communications received by the US administration. According to her, an Iranian official recently contacted US envoy Steve Witkoff, using a tone that contrasted sharply with Iran’s public messaging.
Life in Iran without internet access
As Iran’s internet shutdown continues, communication among protesters has become increasingly difficult. BBC Persian has managed to contact individuals who briefly accessed the internet through Starlink and other alternative methods.
They report that sending text messages within Iran is extremely challenging, with some only receiving messages encouraging attendance at pro-government rallies or warning against joining anti-government protests. Phone calls have also been intermittently blocked.
Sources say that information is scarce, with people relying mainly on word of mouth from nearby residents. Some also describe protesters chanting slogans from inside their homes during the night.
Starlink provides a limited lifeline amid blackout
According to the human rights group Witness, more than 90 million people have been cut off from the internet since the protests began.
Starlink satellite terminals, which allow direct internet access via satellites, have become a crucial lifeline for some Iranians. Tens of thousands of terminals are reportedly operating inside the country through black markets, although authorities have begun restricting their use.
Witness researcher Mahsa Alimardani says most information emerging from Iran since last week has come via Starlink connections. While aggressive jamming initially disrupted access, some terminals have managed to come back online.
Nationwide blackout exceeds 96 hours
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reports that Iran has now been largely offline for more than 96 hours. Nationwide connectivity has dropped to just 1% of normal levels since the blackout began on 8 January.
Further analysis will examine how satellite internet has helped some Iranians stay connected despite the ongoing restrictions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the protests in Iran?
The protests began on 28 December and were sparked by public anger over political repression, economic hardship, and alleged human rights abuses by the Iranian government.
How many people have reportedly been killed?
Human rights groups estimate that nearly 650 protesters have been killed since the demonstrations began, though the true number may be higher due to limited access to information.
How has the Iranian government responded?
Iranian authorities have deployed security forces to suppress the protests, imposed a nationwide internet blackout, and organized pro-government rallies to counter opposition demonstrations.
What is the United States’ position on the protests?
US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington is considering “very strong options,” including possible military action, if violence against protesters continues.
Are air strikes being considered by the US?
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, air strikes are among several options under consideration, although diplomacy remains the preferred approach.
Why has Iran shut down internet access?
The Iranian government imposed an internet blackout to restrict communication among protesters and limit the flow of information to the outside world.
How are Iranians communicating during the blackout?
Some Iranians have accessed the internet using satellite services such as Starlink, though authorities have attempted to disrupt these connections.
Is this crisis a major threat to Iran’s Islamic Republic?
Analysts suggest this could be one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s leadership since the Islamic Republic was established, due to the scale and intensity of the unrest.
Conclusion
The ongoing protests in Iran represent a critical moment for the country, as reports of widespread deaths, severe restrictions on communication, and growing international pressure continue to mount. With nearly 650 protesters reportedly killed and the nation largely cut off from the internet, concerns over human rights violations are intensifying. Meanwhile, escalating rhetoric between Iran and the United States has raised fears of broader regional consequences. As the situation develops, the choices made by Iran’s leadership and the international community will play a decisive role in shaping the country’s political future and regional stability.
