Washington, United States
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran has requested a meeting with Washington as nationwide protests inside the country continue to grow, marking a potential diplomatic opening amid one of the most volatile periods in recent U.S.–Iran relations.
Speaking to reporters, Trump claimed Iranian officials reached out after he publicly warned Tehran over its handling of ongoing demonstrations. According to Trump, the request came as Iran faces mounting internal pressure from protests that erupted over economic hardship and have since expanded into broader expressions of public anger toward the government. “They want to meet. They want to negotiate,” Trump said, while adding that the United States could still take action if the situation worsens before any talks take place.
The protests, which began weeks ago, have spread across multiple Iranian cities and towns. Demonstrators have voiced frustration over rising prices, unemployment and political restrictions. Human rights groups and international observers report that Iranian security forces have responded with force, resulting in numerous deaths and thousands of arrests, though exact figures remain difficult to independently verify due to tight media controls and internet restrictions inside the country.
Trump’s comments suggest Iran may be seeking to ease external pressure at a time when it is facing both domestic unrest and the possibility of tougher international consequences. The former president has repeatedly criticized Tehran’s response to protesters, accusing the Iranian leadership of violently suppressing dissent. He has also said Washington is reviewing its options, including additional sanctions or other measures, if the crackdown continues.
Iranian officials have sent mixed signals in response. Publicly, Tehran has rejected foreign interference and framed the protests as an internal matter, while warning that any external pressure could provoke serious consequences. At the same time, senior Iranian figures have stated that the country remains open to dialogue, provided it is conducted on what they describe as fair and respectful terms. Iranian leaders have also stressed that while they are prepared for negotiations, they are equally prepared to defend the country against any external threat.
The international community has been closely watching developments. Western governments and human rights organizations have condemned the violence against protesters and called for restraint, while urging Iranian authorities to respect basic freedoms. Some countries have pushed for de-escalation, warning that rising tensions between Washington and Tehran could destabilize an already fragile region.
Despite Trump’s remarks, details about the proposed meeting remain unclear. No timeline, location or agenda has been confirmed, and Iranian authorities have not formally acknowledged requesting talks in the manner described by Trump. U.S. officials have also offered few specifics, emphasizing that any diplomatic engagement would depend on developments on the ground.
Analysts say the prospect of negotiations, while significant, faces major obstacles. Deep mistrust between the two countries, disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program, and the ongoing unrest inside Iran complicate the path forward. Still, Iran’s apparent outreach suggests concern within Tehran about the combined impact of internal protests and international pressure.
For now, the situation remains fluid. As protests continue and global attention intensifies, whether the reported request for talks leads to meaningful dialogue or further escalation remains an open question.
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