President Donald Trump says the US military is considering very strong options in Iran, as anti-government protests which have reportedly killed hundreds enter a third week.
The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) says it has verified the deaths of nearly 500 protesters and 48 security personnel in Iran, while sources tell the BBC the death toll could be much higher.
Trump has threatened to intervene, and said on Sunday that Iranian officials had called him to negotiate - but added we may have to act before a meeting.
Iranian leaders have described the demonstrators as a bunch of vandals, and called on their supporters to take part in pro-government marches on Monday.
The government has also announced three days of mourning for what it called martyrs killed in a national battle against the US and Israel - two countries that Tehran says are fomenting unrest.
Anger over the plummeting value of the Iranian currency sparked protests in late December, which have grown into a crisis of legitimacy for Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Trump has not yet elaborated on US military options but has indicated that he is considering various approaches, including military strikes, potentially enhancing support for anti-government movements online, or imposing more sanctions, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Despite ongoing protests, fears of a government crackdown grow, with at least 10,600 individuals detained in the unrest. Reports highlight the tragic dimensions of the situation, showcasing shortages in hospitals and increased military presence in the streets.
Trump emphasized the importance of restoring internet access to Iran during the protests, stating he would reach out to Elon Musk, given that the Iranian government has imposed a significant internet blackout.
These demonstrations mark the largest wave of dissent since the 2022 uprising, and former Persian Prince Reza Pahlavi noted the gravity of the situation, asserting that increasing governmental violence is a sign of fear rather than strength.
