Trump Says Iran Wants to Negotiate as Protests’ Death Toll Rises to 544/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump said Iran is seeking negotiations after his threats to strike the country over its deadly protest crackdown. Activist groups say at least 544 people have been killed in recent demonstrations sparked by economic collapse. As Tehran cracks down, the U.S. mulls military options while Iranian leaders warn of retaliation.
Iran Protests and Trump Response Quick Looks
- Trump claims Iran has reached out to negotiate amid violent unrest.
- At least 544 deaths reported, including nearly 500 protesters.
- Trump warns of potential military action if crackdown continues.
- Iran draws massive pro-government rallies, blames U.S. and Israel.
- Over 10,600 people detained across Iran during recent protests.
- Internet shutdown limits independent verification of violence.
- Iranian leaders claim protests were incited to provoke U.S. intervention.
- Trump says a meeting is in the works but may act first.
- Protesters challenge Supreme Leader Khamenei’s rule; fear spreads in Tehran.
- Iran’s ballistic missile program and nuclear ambitions remain sticking points.
Trump Says Iran Wants to Negotiate as Protests’ Death Toll Rises to 544
Deep Look
President Donald Trump announced that Iran has expressed interest in negotiating with the United States as mass protests across the Islamic Republic continue to grow deadlier. His statement comes as international concern mounts over a brutal crackdown that has claimed at least 544 lives, according to activist estimates.
“I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” Trump said aboard Air Force One Sunday evening. “Iran wants to negotiate.”
Though Iran has yet to confirm any outreach, Oman’s foreign minister—often a backchannel mediator between Tehran and Washington—visited Iran over the weekend. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the situation was now “under total control,” blaming the U.S. and Israel for inciting violence, though no evidence was presented.
Trump’s comments followed reports that his administration is considering a range of options, including cyberattacks or direct strikes, if Iran continues to respond with deadly force. Sources close to the White House confirmed that U.S. officials are reviewing possible military responses, including coordination with Israeli forces.
Trump hinted at urgency in his remarks: “The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting.”
The protests, which began in late December as demonstrations against economic hardship, have evolved into an open challenge to the country’s leadership. The Iranian rial continues to collapse under the weight of international sanctions, trading at over 1.4 million to the U.S. dollar.
More than 10,600 people have been detained, and at least 496 of those killed were protesters, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The group has a reputation for accuracy in prior waves of unrest, relying on cross-verified reports from within Iran. Iran’s government has not released an official death toll, and internet blackouts have hindered international reporting.
Despite the unrest, Iran organized massive pro-government rallies on Monday. Tens of thousands of regime supporters took to the streets chanting slogans like “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” State-run media called the demonstrations a response to “American-Zionist terrorism” and aired footage to portray national unity and control.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, has not publicly addressed the situation in recent days, though his inner circle has pledged a harsh crackdown on demonstrators. Iran’s attorney general has warned that some protesters may be charged with crimes against God, which carry the death penalty.
In response to Trump’s comments, Iranian officials acknowledged that some channels of communication remain open, but stressed that negotiations would have to be on equal terms. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said diplomacy must respect Iran’s sovereignty and cannot be dictated.
Trump has maintained a firm stance, demanding limitations on Iran’s nuclear program and an end to its ballistic missile development—both long-standing points of contention. Tehran views its missile arsenal as a vital deterrent and refuses to discuss it in diplomatic forums.
Inside Tehran, fear continues to rise. A witness told the Associated Press that streets are nearly empty after sunset, with residents afraid of being swept up in police action. Authorities have sent out mass text messages warning families to keep children and teens off the streets. Messages allegedly from the Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence division have called any cooperation with protesters “an act of treason.”
Despite the crackdowns, protests persist. Social media footage—though difficult to verify—suggests continued demonstrations in major cities, including Tehran. Iranian officials have acknowledged these in passing, though downplaying their size and impact.
The crisis began with economic frustrations but quickly expanded into widespread dissent against the ruling regime. Analysts fear that the lack of international access, the use of lethal force, and the deepening economic spiral could trigger even broader instability.
As the situation develops, the U.S. is carefully balancing the pressure campaign with the possibility of engagement. Trump’s signals that Iran may be willing to talk indicate a potential diplomatic opening—though one still overshadowed by the threat of U.S. military action.
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