US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran's leadership had called seeking "to negotiate" after his threats of military action amid mass anti-government protests in the Islamic Republic. "The leaders of Iran called" yesterday, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that "a meeting is being set up... They want to negotiate."

Rights groups say the crackdown has been severe. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said it had verified 544 deaths, while Iran Human Rights confirmed at least 192 protesters killed, warning the real toll could be several hundred or more.

US President Trump's claim that Tehran called up Washington seeking negotiations comes just a few hours after Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted a cartoon on X. , World News, Times No

President Donald Trump announced potential US action against Iran amidst ongoing protests, while disclosing Iranian leaders' calls for diplomatic talks. Tensions escalate with discussions on military bases and internet access.

"As I have said many times before, we [i.e. Iran] are also ready for talks [with the US]—but on a fair, equal terms, and based on mutual respect. Talks that will be real and serious, rather than in the form of dictates and instructions," Araghchi said.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran proposed negotiations after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic over its bloody crackdown targeting demonstrators there, a move coming as activists said the death toll in protests rose to at least 544.

Iran might be crossing a red line that will force U.S. action, even as the two sides plan talks over the violent crackdown on protesters.

Both the US and Iran have signalled that diplomatic channels are open. But if talks fail, there are many other possibilities, none great for India. Here's why.

US President Donald Trump is weighing a series of potential military options in Iran following the deadly protests, two officials have told CNN. Follow for live updates

Stay with Newsweek for live updates on the deadly unrest rocking the regime in Iran, as the U.S. weighs military action.