Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDonald Trump is reportedly "ready to push the button" on military strikes against Iran, following weeks of widespread protests against the ayatollah’s regime that have reportedly claimed over 2,500 lives. US intervention is considered "imminent," with sources suggesting strikes could occur within 24 hours, prompting the withdrawal of US and UK personnel from Middle East bases, including Al-Udeid in Qatar. Trump is reportedly delaying action, hoping for the collapse of Iranian banks to destabilise the regime, while plans are being drawn up for an interim government should the current regime fall. Iran has issued warnings to neighbouring countries, stating it would strike American bases in the region if Trump orders military action against the Islamic Republic. The protests have led to a reported death toll of 2,571 and 18,137 arrests, with Trump vowing "very strong action" if protesters are executed, as the fate of one individual, Erfan Soltani, remains unclear. In fullTrump ‘ready to push the button’ on airstrikes in Iran as US personnel evacuate military baseThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

US president says Washington is closely monitoring protests in Iran and considering possible military intervention.

The US president says Iranian leaders have called "to negotiate", but adds the US "may have to act" before a meeting.

The unrest in Iran, which started in late December over soaring prices and the collapse of Iran's currency, has intensified and morphed into wider antigovernment protests.

US president says he ‘may have to act’ before talks amid crackdown that rights group says has led to at least 538 deaths

US president has threatened to strike Iran if its regime continues brutal crackdown on demonstrators

Hundreds of people are believed to have been killed, as days of large demonstrations threaten the regime. Here's what you need to know.

Iran is repressing antigovernment protesters across the country. Trump says US forces may intervene.

US president gives clearest signal yet that he might take military action against Tehran over killing of demonstrators

Tehran says US seeking to 'manufacture pretext for military intervention' as President Trump warns of 'strong action'.

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U.S. intervention in Iran is said to be ‘imminent’ after weeks of protests against the ayatollah’s regime reportedly cost more than 2,500 lives