Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late on Sunday, Trump said Washington was closely monitoring the situation and reviewing options.
"We’re looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” he said. “We’ll make a determination.”
Trump added that Iran's leadership had reached out to negotiate after his warnings of military action and that “a meeting is being set up,” but cautioned that “we may have to act before a meeting.”
There was no immediate response from Tehran, news agencies reported.
Iranian leaders earlier warned against any foreign intervention.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that in the event of an attack, “all US bases and ships will be our legitimate target.”
The protests began on December 28, when merchants at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar closed shops over the collapsing rial, and quickly spread nationwide, expanding from economic grievances to broader opposition to Iran’s clerical leadership.
Iranian state media say at least 109 security personnel have been killed, while opposition activists abroad report higher casualties, including hundreds of protesters.
Authorities have imposed a nationwide internet blackout lasting more than 72 hours, according to monitoring groups.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government was “ready to listen to” protesters but accused “rioters” and “terrorist elements” of exploiting the unrest, blaming the United States and Israel for fueling the demonstrations.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP, BBC