### U.S. Issues Stark Warning to Iran Amid Ongoing Protests and Crackdown The United States has escalated its rhetoric against Iran during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, asserting that "all options are on the table" in response to Iran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests. This warning comes as reports indicate that at least 2,677 people have been killed during the protests, which have been characterized by widespread dissent against the Iranian government. U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, emphasized support for the "brave people of Iran" and dismissed Iranian claims that the protests are a foreign plot aimed at justifying military action against Tehran [https://www.livemint.com/news/world/us-tells-iran-all-options-are-on-the-table-as-tehrans-protest-crackdown-dominates-un-meeting-11768523363921.html][https://www.deccanchronicle.com/world/us-warns-iran-that-all-options-are-in-the-table-in-un-meeting-1930647]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation and Responses 1. **U.S. Position**: - The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to supporting Iranian protesters and has warned Iran of potential military action if the crackdown continues [https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/americas/us-trump-support-iran-tell-un-all-options-on-table]. - Ambassador Waltz's statements reflect a broader U.S. strategy to apply pressure on Iran amid rising international concern over human rights violations [https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/trump-warns-iran-at-un-all-options-on-the-table-as-protests-rage-videoshow-13775023.html]. 2. **Iran's Response**: - Iran has rejected the notion of seeking escalation or confrontation, asserting that it does not desire military conflict [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/us-tells-un-all-options-on-table-iran-warns-it-will-respond-to-any-aggression]. - Iranian officials have criticized U.S. claims, labeling them as attempts to justify intervention in Iranian affairs [https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/us-tells-un-all-options-on-table-iran-warns-it-will-respond-to-any-aggression]. 3. **International Reactions**: - The UN Secretary-General has called for restraint and urged the Iranian government to heed the demands of its citizens [https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/at-unsc-us-warns-all-options-open-on-iran-tehran-rejects-escalation]. - Countries like Russia and China have opposed U.S. interventionist rhetoric, advocating for diplomatic solutions instead [https://www.samaa.tv/2087344684-heated-unsc-debate-as-us-warns-iran-rivals-urge-restraint]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Protest Casualties**: Reports indicate that the death toll from the protests has reached at least **2,677** individuals, highlighting the severity of the situation [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/world/us-warns-iran-that-all-options-are-in-the-table-in-un-meeting-1930647]. - **U.S. Military Options**: The U.S. has not specified what "all options" entails, but the language suggests a readiness to consider military intervention if the situation does not improve [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/01/16/world/trump-iran-all-options]. - **Global Tensions**: The ongoing confrontation has raised fears of escalating tensions in the region, with various nations calling for a peaceful resolution [https://www.greaterkashmir.com/latest-news/us-warns-iran-that-all-options-are-on-the-table-in-emergency-un-meeting]. ### Conclusion: A Critical Juncture in U.S.-Iran Relations In summary, the U.S. has taken a firm stance against Iran's violent suppression of protests, warning that military options remain viable if the situation does not improve. This confrontation at the UN Security Council underscores a critical moment in U.S.-Iran relations, with potential implications for regional stability. 1. **U.S. Warning**: The U.S. has made it clear that it stands with the Iranian people and is prepared to act if necessary. 2. **Iran's Position**: Iran maintains that it seeks no escalation, despite the ongoing violence. 3. **International Dynamics**: The situation has drawn varied responses from the international community, with calls for restraint and dialogue. The unfolding events will likely shape the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East for the foreseeable future [https://yournews.com/2026/01/15/6176391/u-s-and-iran-clash-at-u-n-as-washington-signals-resolve].