Trump Says Iran Seeks Talks as US Weighs Options Amid Protests

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iran’s leadership had contacted Washington seeking negotiations, as the United States reviews potential military and diplomatic options amid escalating protests across Iran.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Iranian leaders had called the previous day and that discussions were being arranged.

“They want to negotiate,” Trump said, adding that “a meeting is being set up.”

However, the US president cautioned that Washington might act before any talks take place, saying Iran was approaching US “red lines” amid reports of civilian casualties during the unrest.

“We may have to act before a meeting,” Trump said, without providing further details.

According to Reuters, Trump is scheduled to meet senior advisers on Tuesday to discuss US options regarding Iran.

Protests have spread across Iran over the past two weeks, initially triggered by a sharp depreciation of the national currency and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign interference, including by the United States and Israel.

On Sunday, Iran declared three days of national mourning for what state media described as “martyrs” killed during the protests.

Semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that at least 111 members of Iran’s security forces have been killed in clashes since demonstrations began.

The Iranian government has also called for nationwide rallies on Monday in support of the Islamic Republic.

In a televised interview with state broadcaster IRIB, President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government was prepared to address the economic concerns driving the protests, but warned that violence and unrest would not be tolerated.

“People have concerns, and we should sit with them and resolve those concerns,” Pezeshkian said. “But our higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to come and destroy the entire society.”

Pezeshkian outlined plans for a major subsidy reform programme aimed at stabilising markets, boosting production and increasing purchasing power, saying implementation was already under way.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was closely monitoring developments in Iran.

“If the current leadership were overthrown, Israel and Iran would once again become faithful partners in building a future of prosperity and peace,” Netanyahu said during a weekly cabinet meeting.

The United Nations also urged restraint. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Iranian authorities to avoid excessive use of force and ensure access to information, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.

“The Secretary-General urges the Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force,” the statement said.