Donald Trump on the Killing of Protesters in Iran: The U.S. Military is Considering 'Serious Options'

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, reacted on Sunday to reports of protesters being killed in Iran, stating, "We are looking at this very seriously; the military [U.S.] is also looking into it. We are considering some very strong options. We will make a decision." Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, "It seems that a number of people have been killed who should not have been. These [Islamic Republic] are violent individuals; if you want to call them leaders, I don't know if they are really leaders or just ruling through violence." He added, "But we are looking at this very seriously; the military [U.S.] is also looking into it. We are considering very decisive options. We will make a final decision." The U.S. President noted, "Some protesters were killed due to overcrowding and being trampled. I mean, you know, the number of them [the protesters] was very high. And some were shot. We are receiving a complete report. I get reports every hour. And we are going to make a decision." Trump also responded to a CNN reporter who asked what options he was considering and whether he had met with senior officials, saying, "Are you asking me what they [U.S. officials] will do? Where will we attack? When?" Trump has repeatedly stated that he does not answer such questions to avoid helping America's enemies. Trump also responded to reporters' questions about "opposition leaders" in Iran, stating that he is in contact with them and that his message will be seen soon. Addressing a CNN reporter who asked whether he thinks the [Islamic Republic] of Iran takes his threats seriously, he referred to the elimination of Qassem Soleimani, al-Baghdadi, the "elimination of the nuclear threat" from the Islamic Republic, events in Venezuela, and years of experience with the Islamic Republic during his presidency, calling the question foolish and saying, "Don't you think at this stage they take me seriously?" A reporter asked Trump, "It has been said that [the Islamic Republic] of Iran intends to engage diplomatically. Do you think it is important for them to negotiate about the nuclear issue?" The U.S. President added, "They [the Islamic Republic] called yesterday. Iran called for negotiations. Yesterday. Yesterday. Iranian leaders called. They want to negotiate. I think they are tired of being beaten by the United States." Trump added that the Islamic Republic wants to negotiate and "we may meet with them. I mean, a meeting is being planned. But we may have to act due to events that happen before the meeting. But a meeting is being planned." The release of documents about the catastrophic dimensions of the bloody crackdown continues; the nationwide uprising in Iran is in its fifteenth day. Trump: The enthusiasm of the people for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic regime is incredible; they love their country, which has gone back 150 years. The protests in Iran continue; from smashing the statue of Qassem Soleimani to pulling down the large flag of the Islamic Republic in Mashhad. Senator Graham: Trump is not Obama; the regime kills, he orders the killing of Khamenei. Lindsey Graham, referring to Trump's warning: The Ayatollahs are "religious Nazis" and the killing of protesters will not be cost-free for them. Support in the U.S. Congress for Trump's new warning to the Islamic Republic; lawmakers supported the people of Iran.