Trump briefed on military strike options against Iran, U.S. officials say

U.S. President Donald Trump has recently been briefed on potential military strike options against Iran and is seriously weighing whether to authorize an attack, The New York Times reported, citing multiple U.S. officials.

According to the officials, no final decision has been made, but Trump is actively considering the use of force. The options presented to him reportedly include strikes on nonmilitary targets in Tehran.

Against the backdrop, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone on Saturday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two discussed the situation in Iran as well as developments in Gaza and Syria, Axios reporter Barak Ravid said on X, citing a U.S. source.

Meanwhile, Israel is closely monitoring developments inside Iran. Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir convened multiple security assessment meetings between January 9 and 10. Israeli security officials said Israel currently has "no intention of launching an attack" on Iran, but has strengthened defensive readiness and is preparing for "any contingency."

Iran has been grappling with protests since December 28, sparked by rising prices and currency depreciation. During the past two weeks, demonstrations and unrest have occurred in multiple locations, resulting in casualties. China Media Group's correspondent in Tehran reported that the situation nationwide was calm on Saturday night, with no major protests reported in key areas of the capital. Authorities dispersed around 370 people who attempted to gather in Tehran, reports said.

Iran has also been experiencing internet disruptions. As of Saturday afternoon, Tehran remained largely offline. CMG correspondent reported that local residents were still able to access major domestic news websites and video platforms. Essential services such as food delivery and ride-hailing apps continued to function normally. Traffic conditions were stable, and supplies of food and basic necessities in supermarkets remained sufficient.

Iranian leaders moved quickly to show unity. On Saturday, the president, senior military officials and Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations issued statements urging the public to remain united and defend national interests.

President Masoud Pezeshkian, meeting Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi on Saturday, accused the United States and Israel of seeking to prolong regional conflict and insecurity, undermine unity among Islamic countries and sow division. He said the Iranian people would stand more firmly than ever in support of their country.

In a separate meeting the same day with members of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council, Pezeshkian stressed that the government is intensifying efforts to improve livelihoods by rooting out rent-seeking, bribery and corruption. He described the current period as a critical stage in confronting both external economic pressure and entrenched domestic interests, calling on political factions and institutions to maintain unity and support policy implementation.

Iran's military also issued a statement on Saturday, vowing to safeguard national interests and protect strategic infrastructure and public property, while urging the public to unite.

Separately, Iran's permanent representative to the UN, Amir-Saeid Iravani, sent a letter to the UN Security Council condemning what he described as U.S. collusion with Israel to interfere in Iran's internal affairs. He said the interference involved threats, provocations and deliberate attempts to incite violence and undermine peace and stability.