Grenades are displayed by Israel's military, that they say were seized during the ground operation in Lebanon, at Julis army base, in southern Israel, October 9, 2024. Representational Image/Reuters
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Firstpost15-01-2026, 13:16

Trump's Iran Options: Military Intervention, Cyber Warfare Amid Protests

  • US President Donald Trump has warned of military intervention in Iran if authorities continue their violent crackdown on protesters, stating "HELP IS ON ITS WAY."
  • Despite strong rhetoric, the US military footprint in West Asia is currently smaller, with the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier reassigned and a Patriot unit returned to Korea.
  • The US maintains military facilities at 19 locations in West Asia, including eight permanent bases, with Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar housing 10,000 troops.
  • Potential military actions could target IRGC command centers, Basij militia, and police forces, but analysts warn of high civilian casualty risks in densely populated areas.
  • Options include Tomahawk cruise missiles, JASSMs from various aircraft, unmanned drones, and AI-driven cyber warfare to disrupt Iranian communications and air defenses.

Why It Matters: Trump hints at military and cyber intervention in Iran, but US military presence is reduced, posing challenges.

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