What to know about potential U.S. intervention in Iranian protests

"Driving the news: As of Sunday, Trump was considering several options to support protests and squeeze the regime, ranging from sanctions to potential military action. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reached out to White House envoy Steve Witkoff over the weekend, seemingly in an effort to deescalate or buy more time. Context: Protests in Iran were spurred by economic grievances. Some demonstrators now also demand regime change."

"By the numbers: Two weeks into the nationwide protests, more than 10,600 people have been arrested and sent to prisons, according to the Human Rights Activist News Agency. "Protests have taken place at 585 locations across the country, in 186 cities, spanning all 31 provinces," HRANA said. Threat level: HRANA reported 544 deaths as of Sunday with dozens moreunder review. The dead included 483 protesters, 47 military or law enforcement, eight children, five non-protesting bystanders and one prosecutor."

"What we're watching: On Saturday, Trump said his administration is ready to help protesters. Those remarks went further than previous ones, suggesting the U.S. could intervene regardless of violence from the regime. The other side: The Iranian government, meanwhile, proposed to negotiate a nuclear deal. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker, threatened to retaliate against the U.S. if Trump intervened. He said the U.S. military and Israel would be deemed "legitimate targets" for strikes."

U.S. officials considered measures from sanctions to potential military action to support protesters and pressure Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contacted White House envoy Steve Witkoff, apparently seeking to deescalate or gain time. Protests began over economic grievances and expanded to include demands for regime change amid rising prices and a plunging rial. Human Rights Activist News Agency reported more than 10,600 arrests, protests in 585 locations across 186 cities and all 31 provinces, and 544 deaths with dozens more under review. A UN-mandated mission demanded restored internet access and an end to violence. Iranian leaders warned of retaliation if the U.S. intervened.

Read at Axios