Trump says Iran wants to talk as protest death toll rises
AP News••nation
Key Points:
- U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran wants to negotiate with Washington following his threat of military action over Iran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests, which have resulted in at least 544 deaths according to activists.
- Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, claimed the situation is under control and blamed the U.S. and Israel for inciting violence, while expressing openness to diplomacy contingent on mutual respect rather than unilateral demands.
- Tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators rallied in support of Iran's theocracy amid ongoing protests challenging Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with state media broadcasting chants against the U.S. and Israel.
- The Iranian government has detained over 10,600 people during two weeks of unrest,
