Iran says weeks of anti-government protests have subsided, while human rights groups estimate at least 600 people have died during the unrest. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed Israel and the United States for the violence, alleging they instigated the demonstrations to create a pretext for intervention.
Trump says in talks with Iran
US President Donald Trump said Iran wants to negotiate with Washington following his threat to strike the Islamic republic over its crackdown on protesters. The announcement came after Oman’s foreign minister travelled to Iran this weekend as an intermediary.
Tehran has not immediately reacted to the news. It remains unclear what Iran could offer, particularly given Trump’s demands regarding its nuclear program and ballistic missiles.
The White House is weighing potential responses, including cyberattacks and direct strikes by the US or Israel, according to sources familiar with internal discussions. Trump stated the military is considering options and warned of strong retaliation if Iran were to strike back.
Trump added that a meeting with Tehran is being set up, but cautioned he might have to act first due to the rising death toll and continued arrests of protesters. He stated, “Iran wants to negotiate.”
Iran warned on Sunday that the US military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if America used force to protect demonstrators.
Internet blackouts impose ‘veil of secrecy’
As the internet blackout in Iran entered its fifth day, human rights monitors expressed concern that the lack of information is obscuring the true scale of deaths and detentions. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported more than 10,600 people have been detained over the two weeks of protests, and estimates at least 648 protesters have been killed by Iranian security forces.
Skylar Thompson, deputy director of Human Rights Activists in Iran, stated the numbers are likely conservative due to the information blackout and strict verification methods. Reports suggest executions for some detained protesters could begin in the coming days, with individuals being charged with security-related crimes carrying the death sentence.
Thompson highlighted the record number of forced confessions airing on state TV.
A witness in Tehran reported streets emptying at sunset each night, with police sending text messages warning against participation in demonstrations and threatening consequences for those involved. Another text, allegedly from the Revolutionary Guard, warned against gathering in violent areas.
The demonstrations began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial, which currently trades at over 1.4 million to $US1, as the country’s economy is impacted by international sanctions.
The protests later evolved into direct challenges to Iran’s theocracy.
AP/AFP/ABC
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