US–Iran Talks Remain Open Following Deadly Protest Crackdown
Tehran – Iran has signalled that communication lines with the United States remain active, even as President Donald Trump mulls over strong measures in response to the regime’s violent suppression of widespread protests. These demonstrations, which erupted late last year and have persisted into 2026, represent one of the most serious threats to clerical authority since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. With a reported death toll climbing to at least 646, including hundreds of protesters and dozens of security personnel, the unrest has drawn global condemnation and heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The protests began on 28 December 2025, sparked by economic hardships, corruption allegations, and demands for political freedoms. They quickly spread across cities, turning into calls for regime change under the banner #IranRevolution2026. Security forces have responded with force, leading to thousands of arrests and a sharp rise in fatalities over the past weeks. Amid this turmoil, diplomatic backchannels persist, offering a glimmer of hope for de-escalation, though both sides trade tough rhetoric.
The Spark and Spread of the Protests
What started as localised grievances over rising prices and unemployment has ballooned into nationwide upheaval. Demonstrators, including women defying hijab laws and youth frustrated with limited opportunities, have taken to the streets in major centres like Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad. Rights groups have documented 503 protester deaths and 69 among security forces, with over 10,694 arrests since the start.
The crackdown has been swift and severe, involving live ammunition, tear gas, and internet blackouts to stifle coordination. Activists describe it as the bloodiest since the post-election unrest in 2009. Iran’s government stages mass rallies to counter the narratives, claiming foreign interference fuels the chaos. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has asserted the situation is “completely under control,” but reports of ongoing clashes suggest otherwise.
Economic woes underpin much of the anger. Sanctions, inflation, and mismanagement have left many struggling, with youth unemployment hovering around 25%. Women, empowered by movements like those following Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022, play a key role, demanding equality and an end to restrictive laws.
Trump’s Weighing of Options and Tariff Announcement
President Trump has kept a close eye on the developments, warning that the US is considering “very strong options” to address the violence. On Sunday, he revealed that Iranian leaders had reached out for negotiations, stating, “Iran called, they want to negotiate.” He hinted at a potential meeting but cautioned that action might precede talks if the killings continue.
In a bold move, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on exports from any country doing business with Iran, effective immediately. This targets nations reliant on Iranian oil or trade, aiming to isolate Tehran economically. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, noted that private messages from Iran differ from public stances, showing an interest in dialogue. However, Trump remains “unafraid” to use military force if needed, with his national security team briefed on options like targeted airstrikes or covert operations.
Special envoy Steve Witkoff has been central to these exchanges, communicating with Araghchi in recent days. Trump described the outreach as a sign that Iran is “tired of being beat up by the United States,” but stressed that any talks must address the nuclear programme and human rights.
Iran’s Stance: Open to Diplomacy but Prepared for Conflict
Tehran’s response mixes defiance with openness. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed the communication channel with Witkoff “remains open,” with messages exchanged as needed. Switzerland, the traditional intermediary, also facilitates contacts. Araghchi emphasised that talks must be “fair, based on equal rights, and founded on mutual respect,” rejecting one-sided demands.
Yet, Iran warns of readiness for war. Araghchi told ambassadors the regime is “prepared for all options,” boasting enhanced military capabilities compared to previous tensions. He accused external forces, including Israel, of stoking the unrest to drag the US into conflict. Baghaei dismissed Trump’s threats as “contradictory messages” lacking seriousness, but affirmed Iran never leaves the negotiating table.
This dual approach reflects internal pressures: quelling protests while avoiding escalation that could worsen the economy. Iran’s leadership portrays the unrest as foreign-orchestrated, but concessions on nuclear issues or reforms might be on the table to ease sanctions.
International Reactions and Broader Implications
The European Union has condemned the violence, with spokesman Anouar El Anouni announcing readiness for “new, more severe sanctions.” Global rights groups urge accountability, while the UN calls for independent investigations into the deaths.
For the region, this could reshape alliances. Trump’s tariffs pressure countries like China and India, major Iranian oil buyers, potentially shifting global trade. A military strike risks wider conflict, involving proxies in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon, spiking oil prices and instability.
Domestically in the US, Trump’s stance appeals to his base but draws criticism for potential overreach. In Iran, the protests test the regime’s grip, with calls for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s ouster growing louder.
As talks hover in uncertainty, the world watches closely. Diplomacy offers a path out, but with lives lost daily, time is short for a peaceful resolution. The coming days could define US-Iran relations for years, balancing force with dialogue in a volatile Middle East.
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