NEW YORK, Jan 11 (APP): US President Donald Trump has been given military options for a strike on Iran amid continuing protests in Iranian cities, but has not made a final decision, according to reports in two leading American newspapers; The New York Times and Wall Street Journal.<\/p>\n
In a defiant response, Iran’s National Defence Council warned that Tehran would not necessarily limit itself to retaliatory responses if it perceives concrete threats to its security.<\/p>\n
In a statement published by Iranian media, the Council said that Iran\u2019s \u201csecurity, independence, and territorial integrity\u201d constitute an \u201cuncrossable redline,\u201d and that any encroachment on those interests would be met with an \u201cappropriate, targeted, and decisive response.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWithin the framework of legitimate self-defence, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not consider itself limited to reacting after the action and considers objective signs of threat to be part of the security equation,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Trump also posted on social media that \u201cIran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!\u201d<\/p>\n
The US State Department separately warned: \u201cDo not play games with President Trump. When he says he\u2019ll do something, he means it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The New York Times report says Trump is seriously considering authorizing a strike in response to the Iranian regime\u2019s efforts to suppress demonstrations, and the options presented to him include non-military sites in Tehran. But no furter details were given.<\/p>\n
As protests escalate, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei signalled a coming clampdown, despite US warnings. Iran\u2019s attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, warned that anyone taking part in protests or \u201chelping rioters\u201d will be considered an \u201cenemy of God,\u201d a death-penalty charge.<\/p>\n
\u201cProceedings must be conducted without leniency, compassion or indulgence,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
State television and news agencies have played video of purported protesters shooting at security forces with firearms, according to reports.<\/p>\n