Dubai, Jan 12: US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran wants to negotiate with Washington following his threat of military action over the country’s deadly crackdown on protests, which activists report has left at least 544 people dead.
The statement comes after the Foreign Minister of Oman, a longtime intermediary between Washington and Tehran, visited Iran over the weekend. While Trump indicated that a meeting is being arranged, he cautioned that military action may occur first due to the ongoing unrest.
“I think they’re tired of being beaten up by the United States. Iran wants to negotiate,” Trump said.
“The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up. Iran called, they want to negotiate.”
Protests and Government Crackdown
Iran’s state media has called for pro-government demonstrators to rally in support of the theocracy, following days of nationwide protests directly challenging Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Crowds were shown chanting “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!”
The protests, which began December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial and broader economic hardships, have intensified into direct challenges to the ruling regime. Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that more than 10,600 people have been detained, including both protesters and security personnel.
With internet and phone blackouts, independent verification of casualty figures is difficult. However, online videos and local reports suggest protests continue despite fears of violent reprisal from security forces. Text messages from police and the Revolutionary Guard have warned citizens, particularly youths, to stay off the streets under threat of severe punishment.
US Response and Military Considerations
Trump’s national security team has considered various options, including cyberattacks and direct strikes by the US or Israel. Iranian officials warned that US and Israeli forces would be legitimate targets if military action is taken to protect demonstrators.
The unrest in Tehran and other major cities has created a climate of fear, with residents avoiding streets at night and following repeated warnings from security agencies. The economic crisis driving the protests is partly linked to international sanctions imposed over Iran’s nuclear program, which have contributed to the rial collapsing to over 1.4 million per USD 1.
As the death toll rises and international attention focuses on the crisis, Trump’s remarks signal a potential path for diplomacy, even as military options remain on the table.