Trump set to launch strikes against Iran

President weighs up options as protest death toll rises

- BY MARTYN BROWN

DONALD Trump was last night poised to unleash strikes on the Iranian regime in response to its brutal crackdown on mass anti-government protests.

The US president has been briefed on “military options” as supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei tightens his grip.

Mr Trump has signalled he is ready to back Iranian protesters as the reported death toll from a fortnight of demos spiralled to at least 538.

More than 10,600 have been arrested and detained, said the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate during previous unrest in Iran.

Mr Trump offered support for the protesters, saying on social media that “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”

The president is said to be weighing up a broad range of potential responses against Iran, including cyber attacks and direct strikes by either the US or Israel, according to White House sources. But Iran has warned it will target US troops and Israel if the president carries out his threat of military action.