What's happened
President Trump has left open the possibility of US intervention in Iran as protests escalate. Senators warn against military strikes, citing historical risks and potential for uniting Iranians against the US. Reza Pahlavi plans to return to lead a democratic transition.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Risks of Intervention
US officials and senators caution that military action in Iran could backfire, rallying the Iranian population around their government. Historical context, such as the 1953 coup, underscores the dangers of US interference, which has historically led to long-term instability. Senators like Rand Paul and Mark Warner emphasize that outside support should focus on diplomatic pressure rather than military strikes, which could escalate tensions and lead to Iran targeting US bases. Meanwhile, figures like Lindsey Graham advocate for a more aggressive stance, urging Trump to support protesters and weaken the regime directly. The potential return of Reza Pahlavi signals a possible shift toward democratic reform, but US policymakers remain wary of unintended consequences. Overall, the likelihood of military intervention remains low, with officials favoring cautious, non-military measures to support Iranian protesters while avoiding escalation.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that President Trump is considering options for Iran, including cyberattacks and military action, with officials briefing him on Tuesday. The New Arab highlights senators' warnings about the risks of intervention, emphasizing that history shows intervention often leads to instability. The New York Times adds that US intelligence is cautious, noting the complex internal dynamics of Iran and the dangers of unintentional escalation. All sources agree that US officials are weighing options carefully, with a strong preference for diplomatic pressure over military strikes, despite calls from some politicians for a more forceful approach.
How we got here
Recent anti-government protests in Iran, the largest in years, have prompted US discussions on possible intervention. The US government is considering cyberattacks and military options, amid warnings from officials about the risks of unintentional escalation and historical consequences of US involvement in Iran's affairs.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Are the US's Current Military Options Against Iran?
Amid ongoing protests in Iran, the US is considering various military options, but what exactly are these? From cyberattacks to potential strikes, understanding the US's possible actions helps clarify the risks and implications involved. Below, we explore the current military strategies, the influence of Iran's protests on US policy, and what future steps might look like.
-
What Are the Global Impacts of Recent Political Crackdowns and Tensions?
Recent events around the world, from Hong Kong's crackdown on pro-democracy activists to Venezuela's political crisis and US-Iran tensions, are shaping the future of global democracy and security. These developments raise important questions about international responses, regional stability, and the potential for wider conflicts. Here, we explore the key issues and what they mean for the world today.
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
Lindsey Olin Graham is an American politician, affiliated to the Republican Party, who serves as the senior United States Senator from South Carolina, a seat he has held since 2003.
-
Mark Robert Warner is an American businessman and politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Virginia, first elected in 2008.
-
Randal Howard Paul is an American politician and physician serving as the junior United States Senator from Kentucky since 2011. He is the son of former U.S. Representative Ron Paul of Texas who was a presidential candidate in 1988, 2008, and 2012.
Born i