At Least 544 Killed in Iran Protests; Trump Says Tehran Has Sought Talks

By: The Trek News Desk

At least 544 people have died during the ongoing nationwide protests in Iran, according to claims made by the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The group reported that more than 10,600 people have been detained over the past two weeks, including 48 members of the security forces and 496 protesters.

Amid the escalating unrest, U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran has reached out to the United States to propose negotiations. His remarks came after repeated warnings that Washington could consider military action if Iranian authorities continue their violent crackdown on demonstrators.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump said Iran appeared to be “tired of the pressure” and was now seeking dialogue. He added that preparations for a meeting were underway but cautioned that the United States might have to act before talks take place, given the worsening situation on the ground.

There has been no official confirmation from Tehran regarding any offer for talks. Instead, Iranian officials had warned earlier that any U.S. military intervention would make American forces and Israel legitimate targets. Responding to those threats, Trump said the United States would retaliate with unprecedented force if attacked, adding that the military was reviewing “very strong options.”

Security analysts note that the large U.S. military presence in the Caribbean region is another factor Washington would need to weigh before making any decision to intervene militarily in Iran.

The protests began on December 28 after the dramatic collapse of Iran’s currency, the rial, which is reportedly trading at more than 1.4 million to the U.S. dollar. Years of international sanctions, partly linked to Iran’s nuclear program, have battered the economy. What started as economic protests has since evolved into a broader challenge to Iran’s political and religious leadership.

With internet services shut down and phone lines restricted, it has become increasingly difficult to independently verify developments inside Iran. The government has not released any official casualty figures. Human rights groups and members of the Iranian diaspora fear the information blackout is enabling security forces to intensify their crackdown.

Hardline Rhetoric in Iranian Parliament
Tensions also flared inside Iran’s parliament, where Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf issued strong warnings against the United States. He said that in the event of an attack on Iran, U.S. military bases, assets, and ships in the region would be targeted. His speech was met with lawmakers chanting “Death to America.”

Despite the fiery rhetoric, it remains unclear whether Iran is prepared to enter a direct military confrontation, particularly after its air defence systems reportedly suffered significant damage during clashes with Israel in June. Any decision on war or peace would ultimately rest with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Source: News Agencies