US weighs cyber options as Trump warns World Cup nation

January 13, 2026 Oliver Obel

The White House is weighing potential responses to Iran’s escalating internal unrest, as reports of mass casualties and sweeping internet restrictions fuel international concern. US officials say no decision has been taken, but preparatory discussions are underway.

Behind the scenes, American policymakers are examining non-military tools that could be used to pressure Tehran, even as both governments publicly signal that diplomatic contacts have not been severed.

Death toll rises amid informaation blackout

The scale of the crackdown inside Iran has become clearer through reporting by international and human rights organisations. According to BBC News, more than 540 people have been killed during a nationwide campaign by Iranian authorities to suppress protests.

The Human Rights Activist News Agency said it had verified the deaths of 495 protesters, as well as 48 members of Iran’s security forces.

Independent reporting from inside the country has been hampered by severe communication restrictions. Reuters reported that Iranian authorities have imposed a near-total shutdown of internet and mobile services for several days, limiting the ability of residents and journalists to document events as they unfold.

Cyber options under review in Washington

US media outlets have reported that President Donald Trump has been briefed on a range of possible responses, including measures short of direct military action. Officials quoted in those reports cautioned that the administration is still in an early assessment phase.

A meeting scheduled for Tuesday is expected to focus on non-lethal options, including the possible use of covert cyber capabilities aimed at Iranian military and civilian infrastructure.

Reuters noted that such actions, if authorised, could have the secondary effect of helping restore internet access that has been deliberately curtailed by the Iranian government since the crackdown began.

Public warnings, private contacts

Trump has issued increasingly blunt warnings about Iran’s leadership, saying the United States would respond forcefully if violence against demonstrators continues. He warned Tehran it would be hit “very, very hard where it hurts”.

At the same time, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said through state media that “diplomatic channels remain open with the US” and that Iranian officials have reached out to Washington to negotiate, according to BBC News.

Speaking to reporters alongside White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump expressed outrage at the killings. “There seem to be some people that aren't supposed to be killed,” he said.

“These are violent if you call them leaders, I don't know if they're leaders. They rule through violence,” Trump added, before emphasising that options remain under active review.

“We're looking at it very seriously. The military's looking at it. We're looking at some very strong options. We'll make a determination.”

Starlink discussions and wider implications

Trump also suggested the administration may explore ways to counter Iran’s communications blackout with outside assistance. He said he planned to speak with Elon Musk, whose company SpaceX operates the Starlink satellite internet network.

“We may get the Internet going if that's possible,” Trump said, adding that Musk’s company was “very good at that kind of thing”.

Fox News separately reported that Trump intends to discuss the potential deployment of Starlink technology to Iran as protests continue.

Iran has qualified for this summer’s FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, a reminder that political tensions are unfolding alongside upcoming international sporting and diplomatic engagements.

Sources: BBC News, Reuters, Human Rights Activist News Agency, Fox News