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Trump issues dual demands to Iran amid military deployment
US President Donald Trump stated Iran must meet two conditions to avoid potential military action: abandon nuclear ambitions and halt the violent suppression of protesters. Speaking at a documentary premiere featuring First Lady Melania Trump, he claimed Iranian authorities had killed demonstrators "by the thousands."
"We have a lot of very big, very powerful ships sailing to Iran right now," Trump said. "It would be great if we didn't have to use them."
Iran vows readiness as diplomatic efforts intensify
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded defiantly, asserting that Tehran's armed forces were prepared to "immediately and powerfully respond" to any aggression. Araghchi arrived in Istanbul on Friday for talks aimed at defusing tensions with the US.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan later offered Ankara's mediation in a call with Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian, according to a presidential statement. Erdoğan emphasized Turkey's willingness to help "de-escalate" the standoff.
Nuclear negotiations remain stalled
Trump reiterated his call for Iran to return to nuclear negotiations, posting on Truth Social earlier this week: "Hopefully Iran will quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair and equitable deal-NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS." He warned that a "massive Armada" was en route to the region, prepared to act "with speed and violence, if necessary."
"Iran has always welcomed a mutually beneficial, fair and equitable nuclear deal-on equal footing, and free from coercion, threats, and intimidation-which ensures Iran's rights to peaceful nuclear technology and guarantees no nuclear weapons."
Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi clarified that no formal negotiations with the US were underway, despite "exchanges of messages."
Protests and crackdowns fuel crisis
Demonstrations erupted in late December following a sharp devaluation of Iran's currency, evolving into a broader challenge to the clerical leadership. Trump initially pledged US support for protesters, later claiming he had been assured executions had ceased. However, reports from Tehran described an unprecedented crackdown.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported at least 6,479 confirmed deaths since unrest began, including 6,092 protesters, 118 children, and 214 government-affiliated individuals. Investigations into an additional 17,000 reported fatalities are ongoing.
Iranian authorities disputed these figures, stating last week that over 3,100 people had died, most of them security personnel or bystanders targeted by "rioters."
International response escalates
The European Union recently designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, imposing sanctions on six entities and 15 individuals linked to the crackdown.
