Former US President Donald Trump has declared that Iran is now ready to negotiate, following his threats of action over the regime's violent suppression of nationwide protests which have reportedly left at least 544 people dead.
Mounting Death Toll and International Pressure
The claim from Trump came as the death toll from the unrest, which began on 28 December, continued to rise sharply. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, more than 10,600 people have been detained over the two weeks of demonstrations. The agency, which relies on sources within Iran to crosscheck information, stated that 496 of the dead were protesters and 48 were security forces.
"I think they're tired of being beat up by the United States," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. "Iran wants to negotiate." He added, "The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what's happening before the meeting. Iran called, they want to negotiate."
Regime's Defiant Stance and Accusations
Iranian officials have struck a defiant tone, blaming foreign powers for the violence. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told diplomats in Tehran that "the situation has come under total control," alleging without evidence that Israel and the US were behind the unrest. "That's why the demonstrations turned violent and bloody to give an excuse to the American president to intervene," he said in remarks carried by Al Jazeera.
The regime has also mobilised its supporters, with state television airing footage of pro-government rallies where crowds chanted "Death to America!" and "Death to Israel!". Simultaneously, authorities have sent intimidating text messages to the public, warning families to keep youth off the streets and labelling protesters as "terrorist mercenaries."
Potential US Response and Regional Tensions
Trump and his national security team are understood to be considering a spectrum of potential responses against Iran. Options reportedly include cyberattacks and direct military strikes, potentially conducted by the US or Israel. "The military is looking at it, and we're looking at some very strong options," Trump stated, warning that any Iranian retaliation would be met with unprecedented force.
Iran's parliamentary speaker issued a stark warning on Sunday, stating that US military assets and Israel would be considered "legitimate targets" if America uses force to protect demonstrators. The diplomatic channel remains active, however, with the foreign minister of Oman—a traditional mediator—having travelled to Iran over the weekend.
With internet and phone lines largely shut down inside Iran, verifying events has become extremely difficult. Observers abroad fear the information blackout is enabling hardliners within Iran's security apparatus to conduct a bloody crackdown with impunity, as protests continue in the capital Tehran and other major cities.
