President Trump has been briefed on new military options for a strike against Iran amid widespread protests and a government crackdown on communications for Iranians, a senior U.S. official tells CBS News. "We'll be hitting them very hard where it hurts," he said at the White House.

Washington

President Trump has received briefings on potential military responses to Iran as widespread protests continue in the country and the Iranian government intensifies its crackdown on communications. The president stated that the United States is prepared to assist Iranian protesters and warned of strong action if violence against demonstrators escalates, clarifying that such action would not involve ground troops.

While some lawmakers and supporters advocate for U.S. involvement, others, including Senator Tim Kaine, caution that military intervention could strengthen the Iranian regime and recall past U.S. actions in Iran. The White House has not provided details on possible military strategies, though options under consideration reportedly include cyber attacks.

Trump briefed on new military options for Iran strikes amid protests

President Trump says he is ready to help the Iranian protesters. CBS's Willie James Enman is in West Palm Beach, Florida, tonight, traveling with the president. Willie James, what do we know at this hour? Well, Jerrica, good evening to you. A US official tells CBS News that the president has been briefed on new military options for a possible strike against Iran amid those widespread protests and a government crackdown on communications. The president is weighing his options in Iran, riding on true social this weekend. Iran is looking at freedom. Perhaps like never before, the USA stands ready to help. I've made the statement very strongly that if they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved. We'll be hitting them very hard where it hurts. And that doesn't mean boots on the ground. When asked this weekend if the shooting of protesters would be a red line for the president, a US official said, quote, only Trump can determine what the red line is. Some lawmakers and supporters of the president want the US to get involved. The people don't want the Ayatollah anymore. I don't want him. If we can get rid of him, it'd be the best thing could ever happen. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine told Face the Nation military action would embolden the Iranian regime. US military action would just bring back the painful history of the US toppling the Iranian prime minister back in the 1950s and would give the regime the ability to blame their own failures on the United States. The last major US intervention was in June when the US military bombed Iran's nuclear facilities. Jerica, the White House has not shared any details about what possible military action could look like in Iran, but there are many options, including a cyber attack. Jerica? Willie James, I'm in traveling with the president. Thank you.

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Breakdown