DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran is interested in negotiations following his threats to strike the country amid a harsh crackdown on protests. Activists report that these demonstrations have led to at least 599 reported deaths.
Iran has not directly responded to Trump’s comments. His remarks came after Oman’s foreign minister visited Iran. However, Iran faces strict conditions from the U.S. concerning its nuclear and missile programs, which it claims are vital for its defense.
In a speech to foreign diplomats in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed that the situation was stable, attributing the unrest to external influences from the U.S. and Israel. He accused them of inciting violence to justify American intervention.
Despite the tensions, Araghchi mentioned that Iran is open to diplomacy, but insists talks must be mutual and not one-sided. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei echoed this sentiment, noting that communication channels with the U.S. remain open.
On the other side, pro-government rallies erupted in support of Iran’s leadership. State television broadcasted thousands of demonstrators who shouted slogans condemning the U.S. and Israel. The Iranian attorney general warned that participating in protests could lead to severe consequences, including the death penalty.
Trump and his security team are considering various responses to the situation, possibly including cyberattacks or military strikes. Trump suggested that if Iran retaliates, it could face unprecedented consequences. He mentioned that while discussions with Tehran were on the table, he may need to act quickly if the violence continues to escalate.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, over 10,600 people have been detained during the protests. The organization, which has a reliable track record, documented that around 510 of the deceased were protesters, and 89 were security personnel.
The internet and phone lines were cut in Iran, making it challenging to assess the ongoing protests accurately. Reports indicate fears that this information blackout could prompt hard-liners in Iran’s security forces to escalate their crackdown. Witnesses noted that Tehran was quiet at night, as many residents avoided the streets due to fears of retribution from authorities.
The protests initially began on December 28, driven by the collapse of the rial currency, which is now valued at over 1.4 million to one U.S. dollar. As frustrations grew over the failing economy, demonstrations evolved into broader challenges to the government.
In a concerning development, videos circulating online purportedly show a high number of bodies in a morgue on the outskirts of Tehran. Reports suggested that the footage comes from the Kahrizak Forensic Medicine Center where people were reportedly trying to identify the deceased. This highlights the tragic human toll of the protests and the resulting violence.
As the situation continues to evolve, many Iranian citizens remain trapped in a cycle of fear, caught between protests and government crackdowns.
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