Iran says it is keeping channels open with the United States and is ready to negotiate, even as nationwide protests stretch into a third week and security forces intensify a deadly crackdown.
Donald Trump, the United States president, said Tehran had reached out for talks, while his administration weighs how to respond to the violence on the streets of Iranian cities.
Read also: Deaths from Iran protests reach more than 500, rights group says – Reuters
“Iran wants to negotiate, yes. We might meet with them,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “A meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what is happening before the meeting.”
Abbas Araqchi, Iran’s foreign minister, said Tehran was “prepared for war” but remained open to dialogue with Washington based on what he called “mutual respect and interests”. He added that the situation inside the country was “under total control” after a surge in violence over the weekend.
Behind the diplomatic signals, unrest persists in the country. Protests that began over soaring prices have evolved into broader demonstrations against clerical rule that has lasted more than 45 years. A nationwide internet and telephone shutdown imposed last week has now lasted more than three days, leaving most Iranians cut off from each other and from the outside world.
Read also: Death toll in crackdown on Iranian protesters surge to 538, say activists
Rights groups say the toll is rising sharply. The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency, HRANA, reports that nearly 500 protesters have been killed since demonstrations began, making it one of the deadliest waves of unrest in recent years.
Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian has blamed the violence on what he described as foreign-linked terrorists, accusing them of attacking bazaars, mosques, and cultural sites. Authorities say the communications blackout is a security measure and that services will be restored in coordination with security agencies.
Tensions with Washington remain high. A U.S. official told Reuters that Trump is expected to meet with senior advisers to discuss options, including tighter sanctions, cyber measures,, and possible military action. The Wall Street Journal reported that military strikes are among the options under consideration, a move analysts warn could cause heavy civilian casualties if bases in populated areas are hit.
Iran’s leadership has issued stern warnings. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said any attack would prompt retaliation. “In the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories as well as all US bases and ships will be our legitimate target,” he said.
