US President Donald Trump has declared he is contemplating "very strong" military measures against Iran's ruling regime, as nationwide protests continue to rock the country and the reported death toll climbs sharply.
Trump's Threats and Claims of Negotiations
Speaking on Sunday, Mr Trump stated that military action might be necessary, even as he claimed Iran's leadership had reached out to propose negotiations. "A meeting is being set up ... They want to negotiate," the President said. However, he added a stark warning: "we may have to act before a meeting".
This follows a social media post on Saturday where Trump vowed to "rescue" protesters if the Iranian government killed them, writing on Truth Social: "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!"
Escalating Violence and Government Crackdown
The protests, now in their second week, were initially triggered by public anger over the rising cost of living. They have since evolved into one of the most significant challenges to the 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 538 people have been killed in the surrounding violence, including 490 protesters. The same group reports that more than 10,600 individuals have been arrested by Iranian authorities.
Another monitor, the Norway-based Iran Human Rights group, confirmed on Sunday the killing of at least 192 protesters but warned the actual figure could already be "several hundred or more," denouncing the situation as a "mass killing".
Despite an internet blackout lasting over 72 hours—which activists say is severely limiting information flow—protests have reportedly grown in recent days.
Iran's Response and Mourning Period
The Iranian government has responded with force and a concerted media campaign. State television has broadcast images of burning buildings, including a mosque, and funeral processions for slain security personnel.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a state media interview, accused Iran's "arch-foes" of trying to escalate unrest and bringing "terrorists from abroad into the country". The government has blamed the violence on "urban terrorist criminals".
In a significant move, Tehran has declared three days of national mourning for "martyrs," including members of the security forces killed during the unrest. President Pezeshkian has urged citizens to join a "national resistance march" on Monday to denounce the violence.
Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran's ousted shah, has stated he is prepared to return to the country to lead a transition to a democratic government, having played a prominent role in supporting the protests.
