Trump mulls air strikes on Iran as he announces tariff hike on those doing business with under-fire regime

The Iranian regime is facing widespread protests in the biggest challenge since it took power in 1979 Donald Trump is threatening the Iranian regime with air strikes as the religious dictatorship cracks down on major protests threatening its grip on power. Picture: Getty Donald Trump is threatening the Iranian regime with air strikes as the religious dictatorship cracks down on major protests threatening its grip on power. The US president has continued to threaten Iran with military attacks after more than 646 people were reportedly killed by the Islamic fundamentalist regime since protest against its rule began.White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday that diplomacy is “always the first option” but that military attacks are “on the table” in responding to the brutal repression.Sources say long-range missile strikes remain an option for Washington, where officials are also considering cyber operations and psychological campaign responses. The reiteration of the options came as President Trump also announced a massive tariff hike on those doing business with the Islamic Republic.Writing on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump announced: "Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America."This Order is final and conclusive. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"Read More: Iran 'prepared' for war as Trump threatens 'very strong' response to crackdown which has killed more than 500Read More: Donald Trump 'has decided' to help Iranian protesters, after regime kills hundreds in brutal crackdown White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday that diplomacy is “always the first option” but that military attacks are “on the table” in responding to the brutal repression. Picture: Getty Donald Trump is threatening the Iranian regime with air strikes as the religious dictatorship cracks down on major protests threatening its grip on power. Picture: Getty “One thing President Trump is very good at is always keeping all of his options on the table. And air strikes would be one of the many, many options that are on the table for the commander in chief,” Leavitt told reporters.China, who are one of several economies who do business with Tehran, slammed the possible tariffs, saying it opposes "any ​illicit unilateral sanctions and ⁠long-arm jurisdiction".In response to the threat, Ayatollah Khamenei's government warned that it is "prepared" for war but still indicated a willingness to negotiate with Trump.Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, has said the nation is fighting a “four-front war”.The term refers to an economic war, a psychological war, a “military war” with the US and Israel and a “war against terrorists."However, the regime has also said it is also ready to negotiate with the US based on “mutual respect and interests." The death toll is surging in the crackdown on protesters. Picture: Getty “As I have said repeatedly, we are also ready for negotiations — but fair and dignified negotiations, from an equal position, with mutual respect and based on mutual interests,”  Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday.He added: “We do not want war, but we are completely prepared for it — even more prepared than before the previous war.”“The reason is clear: the best way to prevent war is to be prepared for war, so that our enemies do not once again fall into miscalculation.”He has also alleged that protests “turned violent and bloody to give an excuse” for US President Donald Trump to intervene.Large-scale protests which began because of the Iranian economic troubles have spiralled out of control, sparking a lethal crackdown from the regime's Revolutionary Guard Corp. This frame grab from a video released by Iran state TV shows vehicles burning amid night of mass protests in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (Iran state TV via AP). Picture: Alamy US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency say that more than 646 protesters have been killed by the government. However, the numbers are unable to be independently verified due to a communications blackout implemented by the regime and are expected to rise further. A further 10,600 people are believed to have been detained during the protests. Trump struck Tehran's nuclear facilities in June and launched a raid on Venezuela earlier this year in a move against another long-term US foe.The Wall Street Journal has reported that one figure urging Trump to prioritise diplomacy over military force is Vice President JD Vance.“What you’re hearing publicly from the Iranian regime is quite different from the messages the administration is receiving privately,” Leavitt said.“The president has shown he’s unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary, and nobody knows that better than Iran,” she added.Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said pro-government rallies held in the country today "came as a warning to American politicans to end their deceit".He warned the "Iranian nation is a powerful one, is aware and knows its enemies and is present in every scene".Meanwhile, UK Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said she has spoken with her Iranian counterpart urging the regime to end the violence.In a post on X, She wrote that the "killing & brutal repression of peaceful protesters in Iran is horrific".Ms Cooper added: "I have spoken to Foreign Minister [Abbas] Araghchi and told him directly: the Iranian government must immediately end the violence, uphold fundamental rights and freedoms, and ensure British nationals are safe."As of Monday afternoon, US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency recorded deaths in Iran.But some groups are estimating that the death toll is in the thousands.The Government has faced calls to "add pressure" on Iran after the US said over the weekend it was "obvious" the IRGC was a terror group.But Number 10 has so far refused to proscribe the IRGC and as the "full extent” of sanctions had already been used against Tehran.Donald Trump designated the IRGC a foreign terrorist organisation during his first term in April 2019 but Labour has so far resisted calls to proscribe the group.The ban would make it illegal to belong to or support for it, on the grounds that doing so could end ties with Tehran.Mr Trump said he is considering military action in Iran, adding that Iranian leaders have contacted the US to "negotiate" after he first made the threats last week.When asked if Iran had crossed his "red line" of protesters being killed, the President said: "They're starting to, it looks like."The protests have entered their third week which are seen as the most serious threat to the Iranian regime since 2019.Doctors treating the injured have reported an increase in protesters being shot in the head and neck, often at close range, with live ammunition.Among those killed include Rubina Aminian, 23, who died on Thursday after joining a protest in the capital of Tehran, having spent the day studying at Shariati College.

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