President Donald Trump stated that Iran is eager to negotiate as anti-government protests rage on, but cautioned that the U.S. might take decisive steps before any sit-down. This comes against a backdrop of widespread unrest in Iran, where security forces have cracked down hard, leading to significant casualties. Protests have erupted across more than 190 cities, initially triggered by skyrocketing prices for basics like cooking oil and chicken, compounded by shop closures in key markets such as Tehrans Grand Bazaar. Demonstrators have turned their anger toward Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, chanting against his rule and drawing parallels to the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests. Reports from activists put the death toll at over 500, with many attributed to live fire from authorities, though some resulted from chaotic crowd surges during blackouts of internet access.

In remarks delivered while boarding Air Force One, Trump revealed that Iranian officials reached out yesterday expressing a desire to talk, claiming they are weary of U.S. pressure. He confirmed discussions for a potential meeting are underway but added a stern warning: We may have to act before a meeting. The president mentioned getting hourly briefings and that military planners are reviewing very strong options, potentially including targeted strikes on regime security sites in Tehran.

Iranian leaders swiftly rejected the overtures, with officials declaring U.S. military assets in the region as fair game for retaliation. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and others emphasized the nations readiness to defend itself robustly. Tehran also brushed off Trumps narrative of aiding protesters, citing past U.S. aggressions like the 1988 downing of an Iranian airliner and the withdrawal from the nuclear deal, which worsened economic strains fueling the current chaos.

Trump plans consultations with top advisors on Tuesday to weigh responses ranging from precision operations to bolstering opposition voices. The unrest underscores long-simmering public discontent over economic mismanagement, reminiscent of how inflation sparked Arab Spring revolts. Any U.S. move could ripple through global oil markets and heighten Middle East tensions, with observers watching closely for signs of de-escalation or further clashes.

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