Trump weighs U.S. action as deadly crackdown continues in Iran

President Donald Trump says he is weighing options for possible U.S. intervention in Iran

(NBC)- Amid a deadly crackdown on anti-government protesters in Iran that human rights groups say has killed more than 500 people, President Donald Trump says he is weighing options for possible U.S. intervention — and that Iranian leaders have reached out to negotiate.

“We may meet with them. I mean, a meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting,” Trump said overnight.

Three U.S. officials tell NBC News the president has been presented with preliminary plans ranging from potential military strikes to non-military actions. So far, the Pentagon has not moved major assets into the region to support possible military action.

Iran is now warning that U.S. and Israeli military bases in the region could be considered “legitimate targets” if the U.S. launches a strike. Iranian officials also say their response may not be limited to reacting after an attack.

“If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before,” Trump said. “They won’t even believe it. I have options that are so strong.”

Some Republican lawmakers are urging the president to take action.

“To embolden the protesters and scare the hell out of the regime,” said Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

Others warn that military intervention could backfire.

“Sometimes it has the opposite effect,” said Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. “When you bomb a country, people tend to rally around their own flag.”

The protests in Iran began over economic conditions but have since grown into one of the biggest challenges the regime has faced in years.

Over the weekend, demonstrators in Los Angeles marching in solidarity with Iranian protesters were struck by a U-Haul truck. The FBI is now investigating that incident.