Iran is facing its most serious internal crisis since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. As nationwide protests turn deadly, U.S. President Donald Trump says Tehran has reached out to negotiate—while also warning that military action remains a real possibility.

With hundreds reported dead, thousands detained, and internet access restricted, tensions between Iran’s clerical leadership, its citizens, and the international community continue to rise.

What began on December 28 as demonstrations over soaring food prices and economic hardship has evolved into a full-scale uprising against Iran’s ruling clerics.

According to the U.S.-based human rights group HRANA, at least 490 protesters and 48 security personnel have been killed, while more than 10,600 people have been arrested. Iranian authorities have not released official figures, and foreign verification remains difficult due to a nationwide internet blackout.

Despite the scale of the unrest, there are no visible fractures within Iran’s military, clerical leadership, or security forces. Protesters also lack centralized leadership, limiting their ability to coordinate a unified political movement.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Trump confirmed that Iranian officials had contacted Washington to discuss negotiations, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program, which was targeted by U.S. and Israeli strikes during a 12-day conflict in June.

“Iran wants to negotiate, yes. We might meet with them,” Trump said, adding that the United States could still take action before any talks take place.

Trump has also warned Iran’s leadership that further use of lethal force against protesters could trigger U.S. military retaliation.

Diplomatic communications remain open through U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, traditional Swiss channels, and indirect contacts with Iranian officials.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi struck a defiant tone during a briefing with foreign diplomats in Tehran.

“We are ready for war, but also for dialogue,” he said, adding that the situation inside Iran was “under total control.”

Iranian officials continue to accuse the United States and Israel of fueling the unrest. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that any attack on Iran would result in retaliation against U.S. bases, naval assets, and Israel.

However, Iran’s regional influence has weakened following losses suffered by allies such as Hezbollah and the killing of senior Iranian commanders during last year’s conflict with Israel. Economic strain and international sanctions have further limited Tehran’s options.

U.S. officials are reportedly considering a range of responses, including targeted military strikes, cyber operations, expanded sanctions, and digital support for anti-government activists.

Yet lawmakers from both major parties have urged caution. Senator Rand Paul warned that bombing Iran may not achieve Washington’s goals, while Senator Mark Warner said a military attack could unite Iranians against a foreign enemy rather than their own leadership.

Military analysts also note that many Iranian security installations are located in densely populated areas, raising the risk of civilian casualties if strikes are carried out.

Iran has summoned the ambassadors of Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, urging their governments to withdraw support for Iranian protesters.

Meanwhile, Iranian diaspora communities across Canada, Europe, and the United States have held solidarity rallies calling for political change. However, opinions remain divided over what a post-clerical Iran should look like.

Exiled figures such as Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, have renewed calls for regime change, but the opposition remains fragmented and lacks a unified leadership structure.

To limit the spread of information and protest coordination, Iranian authorities imposed a nationwide internet shutdown. President Trump said he would speak with Elon Musk about restoring access through Starlink satellite service.

Araqchi has since claimed that internet access will be restored in coordination with security agencies, though no clear timeline has been provided.

At the heart of the unrest is Iran’s deteriorating economy. Rising inflation, food shortages, unemployment, and widespread corruption have pushed many citizens to the breaking point.

Public anger is also directed at the powerful Revolutionary Guards, whose vast business interests span oil, gas, construction, and telecommunications. While ordinary Iranians struggle with the cost of living, these enterprises generate billions of dollars in revenue.

Iran now stands at a critical crossroads. Negotiations with Washington could ease international pressure, but further violence risks triggering regional conflict. The protest movement may lose momentum—or grow stronger as economic pressures intensify.

For now, Tehran is holding firm, Washington is weighing its options, and millions of Iranians remain caught between political repression and economic hardship.