Hundreds of bodies lie in the streets as Iran carries out a massive crackdown on protesters.

Hundreds of protesters have reportedly been killed, and thousands arrested after the nation’s regime launched a bloody crackdown in response to protests.

According to the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency, 490 demonstrators and 48 security personnel have been killed so far, with more than 10,600 people arrested in two weeks of unrest. 

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, claimed on Monday, Jan. 12, that “the situation has come under total control,” but offered no evidence for his claim.

In response, President Donald Trump and his national security team have been weighing a range of potential responses against Iran.

“The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One.

Asked about Iran’s threats of retaliation, he said: “If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.”

“I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” Trump added. “Iran wants to negotiate.”

“The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up. Iran called, they want to negotiate.”

The Iranian leadership has warned that the US military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if America uses force to protect demonstrators.

Iran’s government has not offered overall casualty figures. The international community has been limited to more information because Tehran has cut off the internet and phone lines.

Should the U.S. intervene to protect protesters or stay out of Iran’s crisis? Tell us in the comment below.