Donald Trump says Iran ‘wants to negotiate’, warns of possible action amid deadly crackdown

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that Iran had reached out to Washington seeking negotiations, but warned that his administration could take action as reports of a deadly crackdown on protesters in the country continue to emerge.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said his administration was engaged in preliminary talks to set up a meeting with Tehran. However, he cautioned that diplomatic efforts could be overtaken by events on the ground if the Iranian government continues to arrest protesters and the death toll rises.

“I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” Trump said. “Iran wants to negotiate.”

His remarks came amid reports of a severe nationwide crackdown on protests in Iran. Activists said at least 544 people have been killed so far, with fears that the actual number could be significantly higher. Security forces have reportedly detained large numbers of demonstrators as protests continue across multiple cities.

Trump did not specify what form potential US action could take, but his comments signalled growing pressure on Tehran as international concern mounts over the handling of the protests.

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