Iran crisis: Trump claims leader ‘wants to negotiate’ amid protest crackdown as he mulls US military response – latest updates

Amidst a crackdown on widespread protests in Iran, President Trump stated he is considering military action while also claiming Iranian leadership wants to negotiate. The protests, initially sparked by rising living costs, have evolved into a significant challenge to the Iranian government. Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi claims the protests are under control and blames foreign elements for fueling the unrest, accusing the US president of using the violence as an excuse to intervene. Reports from human rights organizations indicate a high death toll and thousands of arrests during the demonstrations, which have spread across numerous Iranian cities. The Iranian government has organized counter-rallies and warned the US against military intervention.

Amidst escalating anti-government protests in Iran, reportedly resulting in hundreds of deaths, President Trump stated the U.S. military is considering "very strong options." Protests, initially sparked by economic grievances in late December, have evolved into a challenge to the Iranian government's legitimacy. Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) reports nearly 500 protesters and 48 security personnel have died, with the BBC reporting potentially higher figures. While Trump claims Iranian officials want to negotiate, he also threatened potential intervention. The Iranian government accuses the U.S. and Israel of fomenting unrest and has announced mourning for those killed in what it calls a "national battle." The U.S. is reportedly considering military strikes, boosting online anti-government sources, cyber warfare, and increased sanctions.

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, has shifted from advocating civil disobedience to urging Iranians to seize city centers. Pahlavi, who has lived in exile in the US for over 40 years, previously promoted nonviolent resistance and a secular democracy. Recently, he called on Iranians to "seize city centres" and prepare for his imminent return, prompting accusations of "terrorism" from Iranian state media. He also urged workers in key sectors to launch nationwide strikes and called on security forces to defect. Pahlavi, born in Tehran in 1960, was named crown prince at age seven but left Iran for fighter pilot training in the US just before the 1979 revolution.

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's deposed shah, is urging President Trump to intervene in Iran to support ongoing protests against the country's theocratic government. In a Fox News interview on January 11, 2026, Pahlavi stated that protesters are emboldened by Trump's warnings of potential military action if peaceful demonstrators are harmed. He believes U.S. intervention is necessary to remove the current regime, which he sees as a threat to Iranian, American, and regional interests. Pahlavi, who has lived in exile since the 1979 revolution, has seen a recent increase in support within Iran amid the protests that began in late December due to economic issues and have expanded into calls for the ouster of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Amid intensifying protests in Iran that began in late December 2025 due to economic grievances, Elon Musk's X platform changed the Iranian flag emoji to the pre-1979 version, a symbol associated with the former monarchy. The protests, now widespread across Iran, are challenging the current regime led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Musk's actions followed a post by Khamenei and have garnered support from some regime critics. Analysts suggest that while the flag change might offer a small boost to protesters, its impact is limited due to internet blackouts imposed by the government. The protests are driven by dissatisfaction with political, economic, and social conditions, with many calling for an end to the rule of the ayatollahs.

Iranian authorities have arrested key protest leaders amid intensifying crackdowns on demonstrations that began two weeks ago, triggered by economic decline but evolving into demands for political reform. Police Chief Ahmad-Reza Radan announced the arrests, while the Attorney General warned protesters could face charges punishable by death. The unrest, considered the most significant in years, occurs against a backdrop of economic crisis and recent conflict with Israel. Authorities have implemented internet blackouts, which human rights groups say have enabled a more brutal crackdown, with reports of deadly force and live ammunition used against protesters. At least 116 deaths and 2,600 arrests have been reported. The US has threatened intervention if the violence against protesters continues.

Protests continue across Iran despite a government crackdown and internet blackout. Sparked by rising inflation over two weeks ago, demonstrations have spread to over 100 cities and now call for an end to the clerical rule of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian authorities have responded with increased force, leading to reported deaths and injuries, and have declared protesters "enemies of God," a capital offense. Hundreds of protesters have been arrested. The government has severely restricted internet access, limiting it to a domestic intranet, a measure more restrictive than in previous uprisings. Information is difficult to verify due to restrictions on international media.

Nationwide anti-government protests in Iran have intensified for a third consecutive night, despite a government crackdown and threatened military intervention. The unrest, which began two weeks prior, has seen increasing violence, including reports of security forces shooting and killing protesters. Demonstrations have taken place in cities across Iran, including Tehran, where crowds have chanted slogans against the country's leadership. The government has imposed internet blackouts, making it difficult to obtain information about the protests. The protests are driven by widespread discontent with the government and its policies, with participants expressing fear but a continued determination to demonstrate.

Anti-government protests are continuing across Iranian cities, escalating despite a crackdown by authorities. The demonstrations began in late December due to a currency crisis and economic hardship, but have expanded into broader criticism of the Iranian government. Protesters have been chanting slogans, lighting fires, and in some cases, setting buildings ablaze. Iranian authorities have vowed to quell the unrest, with the armed forces promising to protect infrastructure. Dozens of protesters have reportedly been killed. The United States has expressed support for the protesters, with President Trump pledging aid if lethal force is used, while Iran's leader accuses protesters of vandalism to please Trump. The protests are fueled by economic pressure from sanctions and a recent war with Israel.

On Friday, January 9, 2026, Iran experienced a second night of widespread, anti-government protests across the country, including in major cities like Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan. Tens of thousands of Iranians participated, despite a total internet blackout and threats of a severe crackdown from Iranian leadership. Protesters, reportedly from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, chanted slogans against the government and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and some were seen burning symbols of the Islamic Republic. State television warned of potential violence and urged parents to keep their children home. Khamenei condemned the protesters as rioters influenced by the United States and Israel.

Armed anti-government protests in Iran intensified, particularly in Tehranpars, with clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The protests, ongoing for two weeks across 190 cities, have resulted in reported deaths and arrests, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency in Iran. The Iranian government has imposed internet blackouts and threatened harsh punishments. Former President Trump stated the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and warned of a strong response, short of military intervention, if Iran uses excessive force against protestors. Several airlines, including Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, have suspended flights to Iran amidst the unrest.

Protests are ongoing in Iran, despite an internet shutdown and escalating crackdown by authorities. Demonstrators in cities like Tehran and Mashhad are protesting against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the current regime. Videos and reports trickling out of the country describe a heavy-handed police response, including the use of live ammunition against protesters. Human rights activists report difficulty verifying claims due to the internet blackout, but testimonies suggest widespread police brutality. The US-based Human Rights Activist news agency reports at least 65 deaths. The protests, the largest in recent years, pose a significant challenge to the Iranian government, which blames the US for inciting the unrest.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has denounced anti-government protesters as "troublemakers" and "vandals" seeking to please US President Donald Trump. The protests, sparked by economic grievances on December 28th, have evolved into widespread calls for regime change, with some advocating for the restoration of the monarchy. At least 48 protesters and 14 security personnel have reportedly been killed, and over 2,277 individuals have been arrested amid an internet blackout. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned it will not tolerate the ongoing unrest. Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah, has urged Trump to intervene and support the Iranian people. Protests have occurred across the country, with demonstrators chanting slogans against Khamenei.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the ongoing protests in a televised speech on Friday, dismissing them as acts of vandalism orchestrated to please President Trump. The protests, which began in late December due to economic grievances, have spread across the country, fueled by broader discontent with the theocratic government. Khamenei accused protesters of damaging their own country's buildings to appease the U.S. President, who has expressed support for the demonstrators. The Iranian government has imposed internet blackouts amid the growing unrest. Human rights groups estimate that dozens of protesters and bystanders have been killed in the clashes.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei signaled a harsher crackdown on growing protests, which began 13 days ago over economic conditions and have expanded to calls for political reform. Khamenei blamed the US for instigating the demonstrations, referring to protesters as "vandals" and "saboteurs" working for foreign agendas. The head of Iran’s judiciary echoed this sentiment, promising decisive and maximum consequences for demonstrators. Despite an internet shutdown and escalating crackdown, protests continued across Iran, including in Tehran and Mashhad, with demonstrators chanting against the regime and in support of the exiled son of the late shah. The protests, sparked by currency depreciation, represent the most significant challenge to Iranian authorities in years.

In Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation on January 9, 2026, amid ongoing mass protests sparked by economic hardship and a sharp decline in the rial. Khamenei accused foreign enemies, particularly the United States and President Trump, of instigating the unrest and warned of a crackdown. He called for unity and accused protesters of acting as mercenaries. The government has struggled to control the protests, which began on December 28 and have resulted in deaths on both sides. In response, authorities have cut off internet and phone access and airlines have cancelled flights. Despite these measures, protests continue in Tehran and other areas.

Nationwide anti-regime protests in Iran have intensified, leading to a government-imposed internet blackout and a rising death toll. The internet shutdown, confirmed by NetBlocks, aims to restrict communication as protests enter their second week. The National Council of Resistance of Iran reports that at least 44 protesters have been killed by Iranian security forces during the unrest, with violence erupting in regions like Lordegan and Isfahan. The internet shutdown began Thursday, coinciding with escalating digital censorship measures and reports of cut telephone lines. President Trump has warned the Iranian regime against violence, expressing support for the Iranian people's freedom.

Protests in Iran, triggered by financial pressures including high inflation and a currency collapse, have entered their fifth day. Demonstrations have spread from major cities like Tehran to smaller cities in the west. Clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in at least one confirmed death, a 21-year-old member of a militia, though a rights group claims he was a protester. Reports of violence and additional deaths in the city of Lordegan are unconfirmed. Protesters have been chanting slogans and engaging in acts of vandalism, resulting in injuries to security officers. The Iranian government acknowledges the need to address the public's concerns.

Clashes between protesters and security forces in Iran have resulted in casualties amid widespread unrest. The protests, triggered by the soaring cost of living and a currency collapse, have entered their fifth day. Two people were reportedly killed in the city of Lordegan, though it is unconfirmed if they were protesters or security forces. State media reported a member of the security forces was killed in Kudasht, while protesters claim he was one of them killed by security forces. The unrest, which began in Tehran among shopkeepers, has spread to multiple cities, with protesters calling for an end to the current leadership. Authorities have closed schools and public institutions in an attempt to quell the protests.

Protests over the rising cost of living in Iran have spread, resulting in multiple deaths. As of January 1, 2026, at least five people have been killed in cities including Azna and Lordegan, with injuries reported. Demonstrators are protesting the government's handling of inflation and the declining currency value, with some reports indicating violence and damage to public buildings. Security forces have responded with tear gas, and a member of the Basij volunteer force was also killed in Kouhdasht. The protests began after shopkeepers initiated demonstrations earlier in the week. The Iranian president has acknowledged the protesters’ grievances.