Trump receives briefing on possible military and covert actions against Iran, sources say

US President Donald Trump has been briefed on an extensive range of military and covert options for dealing with Iran, two US Department of Defense officials have told CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.

According to the sources, long-range missile strikes remain a possible component of any US intervention. Pentagon officials have also outlined non-kinetic measures, including cyber operations and psychological campaigns, as potential responses.

The briefing comes as Trump announced on Monday a 25 percent tariff on goods from countries that maintain commercial relations with Iran, amid reports from rights groups that more than 600 protesters have been killed during three weeks of nationwide anti-government demonstrations.

Iran’s foreign minister has said Tehran remains open to negotiations with Washington but is also “prepared for war”.

Trump’s national security team is expected to meet at the White House on Tuesday to review Iran-related options, the sources said, although it is not yet clear whether the president will attend the meeting.

Earlier, Trump said the US military was considering “very strong options” if further protesters were killed. He also claimed Iranian leaders had reached out to him to negotiate, while warning that the United States “may have to act before a meeting” takes place.

Mounting anger over the collapse of Iran’s currency and widespread economic mismanagement has deepened into a broader legitimacy crisis for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that an Iranian official had also contacted Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. She added that Tehran’s public rhetoric differed sharply from private messages sent to the administration, while stressing that the president is “unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary”.

The defense officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of national security discussions, said any US military action would likely rely heavily on air power. However, planners are also examining ways to disrupt Iran’s command-and-control systems and communications.

The US government has advised American citizens in Iran to leave the country or ensure they have plans to depart without relying on US assistance.

In Tehran, Khamenei accused the United States of “deceit” and of relying on “treacherous mercenaries”, while praising state-organised pro-government rallies held on Monday. He said the Iranian nation was strong, vigilant, and fully aware of its enemies.

State media reported large crowds gathering in multiple cities following official calls for demonstrations in support of the government. BBC Persian has seen text messages circulating inside Iran urging attendance at these rallies, while warning citizens not to participate in anti-government protests.

Separately, Trump reiterated on his Truth Social platform that the 25 percent tariff on countries “doing business” with Iran would be enforced immediately, calling the order “final and conclusive”. The White House did not provide further details.

Iran, already subject to sweeping US sanctions, is grappling with a rapidly depreciating currency and soaring inflation that has driven food prices up by as much as 70 percent. Food accounts for roughly one-third of Iran’s imports, raising concerns that additional trade restrictions could worsen shortages and costs. China is Iran’s largest trading partner, followed by Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and India.

The tariff move could further intensify pressure on Tehran as authorities escalate their crackdown on protests.

Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, has urged Trump to intervene sooner to reduce the number of civilian deaths. In an interview with CBS News, he said the Iranian leadership was attempting to mislead the international community by claiming it was once again ready to negotiate.

Describing Trump as decisive and clear-eyed about the stakes, Pahlavi said the president would need to make a decision “fairly soon”.

At least 648 protesters — including nine minors — have been killed, according to the Norway-based group Iran Human Rights. Sources inside Iran have told the BBC the actual toll may be significantly higher.

International media, including the BBC, are unable to report from inside Iran, and an internet blackout imposed since Thursday evening has made it difficult to gather and verify information.