US President Donald Trump on Sunday claimed that Iran’s leadership had reached out to seek negotiations, as mass anti-government protests continue across the country and tensions with Washington remain high.
“The leaders of Iran called,” Trump said. He added that “a meeting is being set up” and claimed that Iranian officials “want to negotiate.” Trump, however, warned that “we may have to act before a meeting.”
His remarks came as Iran faces its largest wave of protests since 2022. Trump has repeatedly said the United States could get involved if Iranian authorities use force against protesters.
Iranian officials have not released an official casualty count linked to the protests. Figures reported by rights groups could not be independently verified.
The protests began on December 28 over rising prices before expanding into broader opposition to the authorities. Iran has been governed by the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution.
In Tehran, daily life has been disrupted. Meat prices have risen sharply since the protests began, while many shops have remained closed. Businesses that open shut by late afternoon as security forces deploy in large numbers across the city.
Fewer protest videos circulated on social media on Sunday, one video shared widely online showed protesters gathering in Tehran’s Pounak district and chanting slogans in support of the ousted monarchy.
The unrest has emerged as a challenge to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, following Israel’s 12-day war against Iran in June, which was backed by the United States.
State television aired footage of burning buildings, including a mosque, along with funeral processions for members of the security forces. After several days of protests, state outlets also broadcast images showing traffic moving normally in Tehran.
Tehran Governor Mohammad-Sadegh Motamedian said in televised comments that “the number of protests is decreasing.” The government declared three days of national mourning for those it described as “martyrs,” including members of the security forces. President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Iranians to take part in a “national resistance march” on Monday.
Reacting to Trump’s statements, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Iran would respond to any intervention, calling US military forces and shipping “legitimate targets” in comments aired on state television.