US-Iran Tensions: What Are Tehran’s Options If Washington Escalates? Explained | World News
US-Iran Tension: Iran has witnessed widespread protests across the country; Demonstrators took to the streets to express their anger at rising inflation and the sharp decline in the value of the rial. The large-scale demonstrations reflected growing public anger against the religious establishment led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The protests, which started in two markets in Tehran, the capital of Iran, in December last year, continued to escalate despite the high death toll. Unrest appeared to have abated after weeks of demonstrations that later turned violent.
Also Read: Khamenei Calls Trump ‘Criminal’ as Iran Claims Victory Over US-Backed Unrest; Schools Will Reopen
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Warning from Trump to Iran
Previously, US President Donald Trump called on protesters in Iran to continue demonstrations against the country’s leadership and announced that he canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until, in his words, the killing of protesters stopped.
“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – GOVERN YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Hide the names of the murderers and abusers. They will pay a big price,” Trump wrote.
He also signaled US support for the protest movement, saying “HELP IS ON THE WAY” and captioning the post: “MIGA!!!” He concluded with the slogan:
In this context, MIGA stands for “Make Iran Great Again,” an extension of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) slogan. Trump also called for an end to the decades-long rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Current Situation in Iran
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei claimed that the country had “once again” defeated the US and Israel and “extinguished the rebellion”, which he said was instigated by Washington and Tel Aviv, IANS reported.
Speaking in his speech on the occasion of a religious holiday on Saturday, Khamenei accused the United States of organizing the unrest in order to “devour Iran”.
According to IANS, citing Xinhua news agency, Khamenei also described US President Donald Trump as “criminal” and held him responsible for the murders and destruction during the recent uprisings in Iran.
US-Iran Tension: Military or Diplomatic?
Trump had previously stated that all meetings with Iranian officials were canceled until the “senseless killing of protesters” stops.
The US military presence in the region has increased concerns about Iran. The United States maintains Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and has a significant military and naval footprint throughout the region.
Notably, Qatar confirmed that some personnel had left Al Udeid Air Base; This is a move that can be seen as a precautionary measure.
How Could Iran Respond to US Aggression?
Khamenei said that Iran will not want war, but “will not refrain from punishing those responsible for unrest both at home and abroad.”
Following Trump’s warnings and threats, questions remain about how Tehran will react if faced with a military attack. It is estimated that Iran can either go into survival mode or respond to any attack in the same way if Khamenei fulfills his promises.
It is noteworthy that this is the second time in a year that the USA and Iran have issued mutual warnings. Remarkably, tensions previously escalated into a military offensive in June 2025.
(with input from agencies)
