Death Toll Surges In Iran As Regime Signals It’s Ready To Negotiate With Trump
The Iranian government is violently cracking down on nationwide anti-regime protests. U.S.-based human rights groups say nearly 600 have been killed and more than 10,000 people arrested as demonstrations stretch into a third week. The death toll could be much higher, though, given a media and information blackout in the country following a nationwide internet shutdown.
State television channel IRIB broadcast footage Sunday of a large number of bodies in bodybags at a morgue in South Tehran, describing them as victims of “rioters.”
Experts note the Islamic Republic appears to be publicizing killings to dissuade others from joining in – something they’ve never done before, despite brutal crackdowns on protests in the past.
It comes as Iran's foreign minister said Monday that the nation is “prepared for war.”
President Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran not to kill protesters and threatened U.S. intervention. On Monday, he announced a 25% U.S. tariff on Iran’s trade partners. The day before, he told reporters that Tehran is ready “to negotiate” with the U.S., which Iran’s foreign minister confirmed Monday.
ON THE GROUND
There are reports of government snipers positioned on rooftops in multiple cities. Hospital staff in the country say they have been overwhelmed with dead or injured patients from the protests. Iranians gathered to identify bodies.
Protesters have been heard chanting slogans against the ruling theocratic regime, calling for the removal of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has ruled since 1989.
On Monday, pro-government counter-protesters also took to the streets.
The government has cut internet access and telephone lines since Thursday. Trump said on Sunday that he plans to speak with Elon Musk about restoring internet in Iran through his Starlink service, which is already being used there – but currently can be jammed by the state.
WHAT’S NEXT
Trump is set to meet with senior advisers Tuesday to discuss options for intervention.
Measures under consideration: targeted military strikes on regime sites, cyberattacks on Iranian infrastructure, expanded sanctions, and boosting anti-regime messaging and communication tools.
As of now, Trump had not made a final decision on what the U.S. will do, but the Wall Street Journal reports: “Trump currently favors attacking Iran.”