Overview
- White House officials say military action remains on the table, with options presented to the president that include selective airstrikes, covert cyber operations, tougher sanctions and technological support for Iranian opponents.
- Trump said Iranian leaders reached out to negotiate but announced he is canceling meetings until killings stop, urging protesters to keep demonstrating and telling them that help is on the way.
- Rights groups report at least 544 to 648 people killed and more than 10,600 detained during the crackdown, while a sweeping internet blackout hinders independent verification.
- Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi says Tehran is fully prepared for war yet willing to engage in fair talks, and the parliament speaker warned U.S. bases and Israeli assets would be treated as legitimate targets if attacked.
- International responses diverge as the UK moves to expand sanctions and summons Iran’s ambassador, China and Russia condemn foreign interference and unilateral penalties, and Axios reports Araqchi contacted U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to reduce tensions.