US President Donald Trump has said that the possibility of talks with Iran is over. He has also urged Iranian protesters to continue their protests, promising assistance.

“Iranian nationalists should continue their movement. Protect the name of the killer,” Trump wrote on his social media account, “They will pay a heavy price. Help is on the way, MIGA.” MIGA stands for “Make Iran Great Again.” 

Earlier, US Defense Department officials briefed Trump on a possible intervention in Iran. They also provided information on the military equipment that would be used in it. CBS News confirmed this through two Defense Department officials. 

A long-range missile strike has been considered as an option to attack Iran. Pentagon officials have also informed President Trump that cyber operations and psychological operations could be carried out in response. Earlier, Trump had claimed that the US would intervene militarily if more protesters were killed in Iran.

On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that he would stand against US intervention. In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic on Monday, Araghchi said the door to dialogue with the United States was open. “We are open to all options,” he said. He also claimed that Iran is now much stronger than it was during the 12-day war with Israel last year. 

The news of a planned US military intervention in Iran has also alarmed the Israeli public. They fear that Iran could retaliate against Israel. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that they will retaliate against the United States and Israel if they are attacked. The Israeli military said on Monday that it is ready for a possible complex situation. 

Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin has urged the country not to follow rumors spread in the country about the ongoing crisis in Iran.  Last June,  Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war. The US media outlet Time estimated that at least 6,000 people had died in the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran as of Saturday. 

Time reported that the death toll was estimated based on interviews with some hospitals in Tehran, unofficial sources, and professional intellectuals and human rights activists abroad. Protests have been taking place in Iran since December 28 over price increases. 

The ongoing protests have put the legitimacy of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khomeini in jeopardy. The exact number of those killed in the protests has not been made public due to internet and telephone cuts. Only a limited number of people in Iran currently have access to the internet.

Similarly, US President Trump has decided to impose a 25 percent tariff on products from countries that trade with Iran. The US has taken this step to put pressure on Tehran as anti-government protests enter their third week. 'Any country that trades with Iran will pay a 25 percent tariff on all trade with the United States,' Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday, 'This order is final and conclusive.'