Trump Considers Cyber and Covert Options as Iran Protest Crackdown Intensifies
Updated (2 articles)
Briefings Scheduled for Tuesday on Iran Response Options On Jan 13 senior White House officials prepared to brief President Trump on Tuesday about possible actions after he signaled willingness to rescue protesters if Tehran used violence. The briefing follows his Air Force One comments about “very strong options.” No single course has been publicly endorsed, leaving the administration’s next move uncertain. [1]
Pentagon Evaluates Cyber and Covert Psychological Campaigns Pentagon officials told CBS News that the U.S. is weighing cyber operations targeting Iran’s command structures and covert psychological campaigns designed to disrupt the regime’s security services. A broader kinetic strike remains under discussion, but an all‑out invasion is not anticipated. These options align with the administration’s preference for non‑kinetic pressure. [1]
Vice President Vance and Advisors Push Diplomatic Route Unnamed Wall Street Journal sources reported that Vice President JD Vance is among senior aides urging Trump to prioritize diplomacy before any confrontation. Vance told reporters that negotiations are needed to clarify U.S. objectives in the nuclear talks and broader Iran policy. The diplomatic push contrasts with the president’s public statements that Tehran is “eager to talk.” [1]
CNN Reports Additional Non‑Military Tools Including Starlink CNN cited two U.S. officials who said the administration is also considering new sanctions on energy and banking sectors, cyber attacks on security services, and providing Starlink internet to protesters to bypass information blackouts. Trump claimed Iran had invited negotiations on Saturday, framing the unrest as a pressure point. The report notes that no ground troops are being contemplated. [2]
Analysts Question Trump’s Stated Goal of Regime Change Will Todman of CSIS told BBC that it remains unclear whether Trump seeks outright regime change, which carries high risks, or simply wants concessions in nuclear talks, sanctions relief, or reforms. Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi argued that early intervention could reduce casualties and hasten regime collapse, but analysts warn of Iran’s missile arsenal and proxy networks that could retaliate. The divergent views highlight uncertainty within the administration. [1]
Sources
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1.
BBC: Trump Weighs Iran Options as Crackdown Escalates: Details senior officials’ upcoming briefing, Pentagon cyber/covert options, Vance’s diplomatic push, and exiled prince’s intervention argument, with analyst skepticism on regime‑change aims.
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2.
CNN: Trump Weighs Potential Military Intervention in Iran: Highlights briefings on targeting security services, emphasis on non‑military tools like sanctions, cyber, Starlink, Trump’s claim Iran wants talks, and regional reactions, noting no ground troops considered.
Timeline
Early Jan 2026 (≈Jan 3) – Trump signals willingness to rescue Iranian protesters if the government uses violence, hinting at possible U.S. intervention to curb the crackdown [1].
Jan 11 2026 (Saturday) – Iran calls for negotiations; Trump says Tehran “is eager to talks” and frames Iran as “tired of U.S. pressure” [2].
Jan 11‑12 2026 – Senior U.S. officials brief Trump on a menu of non‑ground options targeting Iran’s security services, including cyber strikes, new sanctions, and provision of Starlink to help protesters bypass internet blackouts [2].
Jan 12 2026 – On Air Force One, Trump tells reporters he is looking at “some very strong options,” while Vice President JD Vance urges diplomacy, stating “real negotiations are needed to determine what Washington wants regarding Iran’s nuclear program” [1].
Jan 12 2026 – Pentagon officials outline potential cyber operations and covert psychological campaigns aimed at disrupting Iran’s command structures, noting a broader strike remains under deliberation [1].
Jan 12 2026 – Iran’s hard‑line parliamentary speaker warns U.S. military and shipping bases would be “legitimate targets” if Washington acts; the Israel Defense Forces monitor the situation and Prime Minister Netanyahu plans a limited security session on the Iran issue [2].
Jan 13 2026 – Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi tells CBS News that earlier U.S. intervention “could reduce casualties and help end the regime,” arguing intervention would prevent further deaths [1].
Jan 13 2026 – Analyst Will Todman of CSIS says it is “unclear what Trump ultimately wants,” cautioning that regime‑change carries high risks and may not be the administration’s objective [1].
Jan 14 2026 (Tuesday) – Senior officials are scheduled to brief Trump on possible courses of action—including cyber, sanctions, and covert options—as the death toll from Iranian protests continues to rise [1].