Iran stages pro-regime rallies as Trump says Tehran sought talks amid deadly unrest | Top developments

Iran unrest amid rallies, Trump talks

Thousands of Iranians gathered in central Tehran on Monday in a show of support for the Islamic Republic, as the government sought to project control amid ongoing nationwide unrest. State television footage showed crowds filling Enghelab (Revolution) Square, waving national flags and attending prayers for security personnel killed during what authorities have described as “riots”.

Similar pro-government rallies were held in other cities following a call by President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to state media. The demonstrations come as rights groups based abroad report that while dozens of security force members have been killed, hundreds or even thousands of protesters may have died in a sweeping crackdown.

The rallies unfolded against the backdrop of intensifying international scrutiny and rising tensions with Washington. US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the Iranian government had proposed negotiations with the United States, even as he weighs “very strong” military options in response to the escalating violence.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said his administration was working to arrange talks with Tehran but warned that military action could become necessary. He said “Iran called, they want to negotiate” and accused Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the ruling establishment of crossing a “red line” by turning on their own citizens.

Despite official assertions of control, the situation inside Iran remains volatile. The country has been under a near-total internet blackout for about 90 hours, complicating efforts to independently verify reports of casualties. Human rights organisations say at least 544 people have been killed in the past 15 days of protests that have spread across all 31 provinces.

Authorities have simultaneously mobilised supporters through large-scale rallies, with participants waving flags and chanting slogans that label anti-government protesters as “terrorists” involved in “foreign-backed unrest”.

Top developments:

• Human rights monitors report 544 confirmed deaths so far, including 483 protesters and 47 security personnel. Among the dead are eight minors and several civilians who were not taking part in demonstrations.
• More than 10,681 people have been arrested since protests erupted on December 28, 2025, initially over soaring prices before expanding into a direct challenge to the political system led by Ayatollah Khamenei.
• The prolonged internet and phone shutdown has hampered verification efforts and, according to reports, enabled authorities to target cultural figures. State-linked Fars News Agency has accused celebrities and opinion leaders who voiced support for protests of inciting unrest.
• Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has insisted that “the situation has come under total control”, claiming there is evidence linking the violence to “Mossad terrorists” and US-backed groups.
• The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has accused Washington of “blatant intervention”, describing the unrest as a “barbaric act of revenge” by the US and Israel.
• Tehran has confirmed that communication channels remain open between Araghchi and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, with messages exchanged via the Swiss embassy.
• Araghchi has said Iran is “not seeking war but is fully prepared for war”, while remaining open to “fair” negotiations based on mutual respect.
• Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called for a nationwide uprising, urging security forces to defect and asking Iranians abroad to replace the Islamic Republic’s flag at embassies with the pre-1979 national banner.
• The Institute for the Study of War has reported unusually high security force casualties, with state-affiliated media placing the death toll among personnel between 109 and 114, particularly in provinces such as Esfahan and West Azerbaijan.

(With agency inputs)