Amid the escalating tensions in Iran, President Donald Trump is weighing military options, following reports of hundreds of protesters killed. The protests, which began in Tehran over the collapse of the Iranian currency on December 28, have spread to towns and cities nationwide, with over 500 deaths reported by a US-based observer group. Iranian leaders have labeled demonstrators as 'vandals' and called on supporters to join pro-government marches on Monday. The internet blackout has made reporting from Iran challenging, but the BBC's Persian service and other media outlets are providing updates. Trump's threats of military intervention come after Iranian officials called for negotiations, but he hinted at potential action before any meeting. The situation is complex, with the rule of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at stake, as demonstrators protest against price hikes and government restrictions. The BBC has counted at least 180 white shrouds at a makeshift morgue outside Tehran, indicating the tragic toll of the protests. The government has buried its own casualties, and Iran has blamed the US and Israel for the deaths, calling on Iranians to demonstrate their support today. The outcome of this crisis remains uncertain, with the potential for further escalation and international involvement.
