13.01.2026 08:41
As the death toll in the protests in Iran, which have been ongoing for 16 days, rises to 646, the United States has called on its citizens in Iran to "leave the country immediately," citing the ongoing demonstrations and security risks in the neighboring country. This move raises the question, "Is the U.S. preparing for an operation?" while it has been claimed that President Trump is considering options for cyber and psychological attacks against Iran.
Protests that began in Iran due to economic issues continue on the 16th day, with the toll becoming quite heavy. The U.S.-based civil society organization Iran Human Rights Activists (HRA) announced that the number of those who lost their lives in the protests has reached 646, while the number of those arrested has reached 10,721.
U.S. CALLS ON ITS CITIZENS TO "LEAVE IRAN"
While protests continue in the neighboring country, the call made by the U.S. to its citizens in Iran has stirred up confusion. In a security warning published by the U.S. Virtual Embassy in Tehran, U.S. citizens were asked to "make exit plans from Iran without needing the assistance of the Washington administration." The statement pointed to the ongoing demonstrations and security risks, stating, "Leave Iran immediately. If you cannot leave, move to a safe place in your home or another secure building."
IS IT A SIGNAL FOR OPERATION?
This call raises the question, "Is the U.S. preparing for an operation?" It was claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump was informed about options for cyber and psychological attacks beyond conventional air strikes against Iran, where protests are ongoing.
PRESENTATION ON MILITARY AND COVERT OPTIONS
According to two Defense Department officials who spoke to CBS News on the condition of anonymity, a detailed presentation was made to Trump regarding military and covert options that could be used against Iran. The officials claimed that air power and long-range missiles play a central role in a possible military intervention in Iran, but that cyber operations and psychological activities are also among the options.
"NO FINAL DECISION HAS BEEN MADE YET"
Officials suggested that these operations could target Iran's command structure, communication networks, and state-controlled media, stating that no final decision has been made yet and that diplomatic channels remain open. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump primarily prefers diplomacy regarding Iran but always keeps the option of military force on the table.
U.S. MAKES FIRST MOVE FOR IRAN
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that countries doing business with Iran will pay a 25% customs duty on their trade with the U.S. Trump shared a post regarding the matter on his account on the U.S.-based social media platform Truth Social. He stated that countries doing business with Iran will pay a 25% customs duty on their trade with the U.S., noting that this decision has come into effect immediately. Trump emphasized that this decision is "definite and final."
PROTESTS IN IRAN
Protests that began on December 28, 2025, in Tehran's Grand Bazaar, initiated by shopkeepers due to the high depreciation of the local currency against foreign currencies and economic issues, spread to many cities across the country. While no official statement has been made regarding those who died or were injured in the protests, the Iran Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported today in its report on the 16th day of the protests that 646 people, including 133 security personnel and one prosecutor, and nine under the age of 18, have lost their lives, and 10,721 people have been detained. With the increase in violent incidents and police intervention during the protests, the internet was cut off nationwide on January 9.