At least 538 people have been killed since demonstrations began two weeks ago, according to figures from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
Trump has said publicly that he may take action if Iranian leaders killed protesters challenging Iran’s theocracy, as demonstrations entered their second week despite an increasingly aggressive crackdown.
According to three U.S. officials, the president has been presented with preliminary plans ranging from possible strikes to other options that would not entail military action. No final decision has been made, the officials said.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday evening as it approached Washington, D.C., Trump said he’s receiving hourly reports on violence against protesters. The president said a meeting with Iran’s leadership was in the works after officials from the country “called to negotiate” on Saturday.