Trump administration explores contingency strike plans amid protests and crackdown threats
January 11, 2026: The Trump administration is preparing preliminary contingency plans for a possible military strike on Iran, including large-scale air operations, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal. Officials are assessing how to respond to President Donald Trump’s recent threats, with discussions reportedly covering potential Iranian military targets and the scope of any action. While one option involves a broad aerial campaign against multiple sites, sources stressed there is no consensus in Washington and no movement of US forces, indicating the planning is precautionary rather than a sign of imminent action.
The deliberations come as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensify amid widespread unrest inside Iran. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signalled an imminent crackdown, while Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad warned that protesters and those aiding them would be treated as “enemies of God”, an offence punishable by death. Iranian authorities have instructed prosecutors to move swiftly and show no leniency, underlining the regime’s intent to confront dissent with force.
President Trump has openly voiced support for Iranian demonstrators, saying the country may be “looking at freedom like never before” and that the US stands ready to help. The State Department reinforced the administration’s tough stance, cautioning Tehran against testing the president’s resolve. As rhetoric escalates on both sides, the situation remains volatile, with diplomatic and military outcomes still uncertain.