Iran says has 1,000 new drones as Trump weighs strikes to inspire ‘new protests’

Iran’s army on Thursday added 1,000 drones to its combat regiments as its chief vowed a “crushing response” to any attack, state television reported, as US President Donald Trump weighs targeted strikes to inspire “renewed protests.”

The US has already moved a strike force into regional waters.

“In accordance with the threats we are facing, maintaining and enhancing strategic advantages for rapid combat and a crushing response to any invasion… is always on the army’s agenda,” Iran’s army commander Amir Hatami said, cited by state television.

Reuters reported that US President Donald Trump is weighing options against Iran that include targeted strikes on security forces and leaders to inspire protesters, multiple sources said.

However, Israeli and Arab officials said air power alone would not topple the clerical rulers.

Two US sources familiar with the discussions said Trump wanted to create conditions for “regime change” after a crackdown crushed a nationwide protest movement earlier this month, killing thousands of people.

To do so, he was looking at options to hit commanders and institutions Washington holds responsible for the violence, to give protesters the confidence that they could overrun government and security buildings, they said.

Trump has not yet made a final decision on a course of action including whether to take the military path, one of the sources and a US official said.