World Prepares for Possible Escalation as Iran Crisis Deepens

The United States will convene a high-level White House meeting on Tuesday to review military, cyber, and covert options toward Iran, as international concern grows that the country’s internal unrest could trigger a wider confrontation despite ongoing diplomatic messaging.

The review comes as intensifying anti-government protests continue in Iran, an ongoing internet blackout, and increasingly urgent actions by Western governments that suggest officials are preparing for scenarios in which diplomacy fails, even as all sides publicly insist negotiations remain possible.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said yesterday President Donald Trump is keeping all options on the table. “One thing President Trump is very good at is always keeping all of his options on the table,” she told reporters, adding that airstrikes would be “one of the many, many options that are on the table for the commander-in-chief.” She stressed that “diplomacy is always the first option for the president.”

Leavitt said the administration is receiving private outreach from Iranian officials that differs sharply from Tehran’s public tone. “What you’re hearing publicly from the Iranian regime is quite different from the messages the administration is receiving privately,” she said, confirming the communication was directed to Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Trump told reporters Sunday that “Iran called to negotiate yesterday,” adding that “a meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting.”

Conditions inside Iran have fueled growing alarm. Iranian authorities have restricted access to mobile networks, landlines, and the national internet, creating a communications blackout that has limited independent reporting on the protests and the government’s crackdown. Airlines have canceled or suspended flights, and road closures and security deployments have disrupted daily life in major cities.

In response, the U.S. State Department issued an unusually blunt advisory urging Americans to “Leave Iran now.” “Protests across Iran are escalating and may turn violent, resulting in arrests and injuries,” the advisory said, warning of “increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages.” It added: “Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government help.”

The department warned that U.S.–Iranian dual nationals face heightened risk, noting that Iran does not recognize dual citizenship and may detain individuals for displaying U.S. connections. “U.S. nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran,” the advisory said, urging citizens, if safe to do so, to consider departing by land via Armenia or Türkiye.

Other Western governments have issued similar guidance, reinforcing the sense that the crisis is being treated as potentially explosive. Sweden urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately and avoid travel there. Australia warned that conditions could deteriorate to the point where departure may no longer be possible. Canada continues to advise against all travel, while Britain and Germany have cautioned nationals about the security situation and the risk of arbitrary detention.

U.S. officials say the White House review goes beyond conventional airstrikes. According to CBS News, Trump has been briefed on cyber operations and psychological campaigns designed to disrupt Iranian command structures, communications, and state-run media. Defense officials emphasized that no final decision has been made and that diplomatic channels remain open, but said the expanded menu of options reflects preparations for scenarios that could include sustained digital and influence operations alongside military force.

Iranian officials, meanwhile, have struck a dual tone. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran was prepared for both confrontation and talks. “We are not looking for war, but we are prepared for war, even more prepared than the previous war,” he said, referring to last June’s 12-day conflict with Israel. “We are also ready for negotiations, but negotiations that are fair, with equal rights and mutual respect.” Iranian officials confirmed that communication channels remain open between Araghchi and Witkoff.

The crisis has also drawn in other major powers. Russia condemned what it described as foreign interference in Iran’s internal affairs and held security discussions with Iranian officials, signaling that Moscow is closely monitoring developments as pressure on Tehran intensifies.

Inside the Trump administration, debate continues. According to The Wall Street Journal, Vice President JD Vance has urged giving diplomacy a chance before military action, though officials familiar with the discussions say Trump has not ruled out strikes and may still act before talks take place.

The regional security environment remains tense. Iranian officials have warned that Israel and U.S. military bases would be targeted in the event of an American attack. The IDF said it remains on alert for possible “surprise scenarios.” IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin urged the public not to “lend a hand to rumors,” saying the military is prepared defensively and continues regular situational assessments.