‘Iran called to negotiate’: Donald Trump says after warning over protest crackdown
US President Donald Trump said Iran has reached out to the United States to seek negotiations after he warned of possible action over Tehran’s crackdown on protesters, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said his administration was in contact with Iranian officials to arrange talks, but he cautioned that the United States could act first as reports of deaths and arrests continue.
“Iran wants to negotiate,” Trump said. “They called to negotiate.” He added, “I think they’re tired of being beaten up by the United States.”
Trump said the outreach followed his warning that Washington would respond if Iranian authorities continued using deadly force against protesters. “If they start shooting, we’ll get involved,” he had said earlier in the week.
Activists say at least 544 people have been killed in nationwide protests across Iran, with fears that the true toll may be higher. Iranian authorities have not confirmed the figures and have continued to detain protesters.
Trump said talks were being discussed, but stressed that the situation on the ground remained serious.
“We’re talking about setting something up,” he said, while noting that the United States was watching developments closely.
Trump is considering several options, including military strikes or new sanctions targeting Iranian officials or key sectors such as energy and banking.
