Alex Ossola

President Trump has been weighing attacking Iran, where the government has met widespread demonstrations with a heavy crackdown.

Today, we're reporting that U.S.

and Middle Eastern officials told the White House that a large-scale strike against Iran was unlikely to make the government fall and could instead spark a broader conflict.

U.S.

officials said they will monitor how Tehran handles protesters before deciding on a potential attack.

WSJ national security reporter Alex Ward says there are other reasons why President Trump may be easing off.

Today, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt suggested that military action wasn't off the table.

The president and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences.

She added that, quote, only President Trump knows what he's going to do.

Trump is expected to order the Pentagon to send the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier from the South China Sea to the Middle East, a trip that would take about a week.

That's according to U.S.

officials and a person familiar with the move.

Meanwhile, in Iran, the government's crackdown has forced demonstrators off the streets in some cities, although human rights groups say it's not totally clear what's happening due to the internet shutdown.

Analysts say the quiet is likely temporary.

In the Caribbean this morning, U.S.

forces seized another oil tanker.

The Trump administration has now captured six ships in its campaign against the dark fleet that transports sanctioned oil around the world.

Back home, President Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act against Minnesota.

He said today on social media that he'd make a move if local officials don't stop the, quote, professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking ICE.

WSJ national political reporter Ken Thomas says the Insurrection Act has rarely been used in the modern era.