Pro-government supporters take to the streets in Iran
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.
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Iran drew tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators to the streets Monday in a show of power after nationwide protests challenging the country’s theocracy.
Iranian state television showed images of demonstrators thronging Tehran toward Enghelab Square, or “Islamic Revolution” Square in the capital. The broadcasters did not address the underlying anger over the nation’s ailing economy that sparked protests over two weeks ago. It called the demonstration an “uprising against American-Zionist terrorism.”
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran has proposed negotiations after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic. Trump said late Sunday that his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran, but cautioned that he may have to act first as reports mount of increasing deaths and the government continues to arrest protesters.
What to know:
- More than 10,600 people detained: That’s according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate in previous unrest in recent years and gave the death toll. It relies on supporters in Iran to cross-check information. It said 496 of the dead across the two weeks of protests were demonstrators and 48 were with security forces.
- Communication from inside Iran: With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the toll. Iran’s government has not offered overall casualty figures. Those abroad fear the information blackout is emboldening hard-liners within Iran’s security services to launch a bloody crackdown.
- Cause of the protests: Tehran is still reeling from a 12-day war launched by Israel in June that saw the United States bomb nuclear sites in Iran. Economic pressure, which has intensified since September when the United Nations reimposed sanctions on the country over its atomic program, has sent Iran’s rial currency into a free fall, now trading at over 1.4 million to $1.
Russian official alleges foreign interference
The executive secretary of Russia’s Security Council has condemned what he described as foreign interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
The council said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies that Sergei Shoigu spoke by phone Monday with his counterpart Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran.
The statement said Shoigu also expressed condolences over the numerous casualties, without elaboration.
Iran has alleged foreign influence in the protests.
European Parliament bans Iranian diplomats from its premises
The ban was announced Monday by the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.
“This House will not aid in legitimizing this regime that has sustained itself through torture, repression and murder,” Metsola wrote on X. She also praised protesters who “continue to stand up for their rights and their liberty.”
What analysts say about the protests and the crackdown in Iran
- The Iranian government seems to be publicizing the killing of demonstrators for the first time to dissuade others from joining in, said Kamran Matin, an associate professor of international relations at the University of Sussex in England and an expert on Iran. “It’s broadcasting some of the footage, both of those killed but also of the actual protests. It seems to be intended to intimidate protesters from returning to the streets.” He also said that Trump’s primary aim is to change the behavior of the Iranian regime, not necessarily the regime itself.
- Although some observers have speculated that Venezuela may provide a template for creating a new Iranian government, the situation in Tehran is very different, said Iran expert Siavush Randjbar-Daemi at the University of St. Andrews. He said there is no similar figure in Iran to interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, who took over after U.S. forces arrested Nicolás Maduro. “There’s nobody who the Americans can really talk to like that,’’ he said.
A Turkish official cautions against foreign intervention in Iran
A senior Turkish official voiced opposition to foreign interventions in Iran, warning that such actions could worsen the country’s crisis.
Omer Celik, spokesman for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party, acknowledged on Monday that Iran faces internal challenges but stressed they must be resolved through “its own dynamics and the will of the state.”
“We would never wish for any chaos to emerge in our neighbor Iran,” Celik said, adding that outside interference would only produce “worse outcomes.”
He cautioned that regional instability could escalate further if external involvement is driven by what he described as “Israeli provocations.”
At least 572 have been killed in two weeks of protests, activists say
The death toll in two weeks of nationwide protests has risen to at least 572, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate in previous unrest in recent years.
It said 503 of the dead were protesters and 69 were members of security forces. More than 10,600 people also have been detained, it said. The agency relies on supporters in Iran cross-checking information.
The Iranian government has not offered overall casualty figures for the demonstrations. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the toll, given that internet and international phone calls are now blocked in Iran.
Images from a morgue
Video circulating online purports to show dozens of bodies in a morgue on the outskirts of Iran’s capital.
People with knowledge of the facility and the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency say the video shows the Kahrizak Forensic Medicine Center.
People are seen walking by bodies in body bags laid out in a large room, attempting to identify them. Another video, widely shared by activists, purportedly shows people gathered around a television monitor at the morgue, looking at images of corpses’ faces. Outside, people can be heard wailing in grief. The footage matches other images of the facility online.
Text messages warn parents to stop children from joining anti-government protests
A witness told the AP that the streets of Tehran empty at the sunset call to prayers each night.
Part of that stems from the fear of getting caught in the crackdown. Police sent the public a text message that warned: “Given the presence of terrorist groups and armed individuals in some gatherings last night and their plans to cause death, and the firm decision to not tolerate any appeasement and to deal decisively with the rioters, families are strongly advised to take care of their youth and teenagers.”
Another text, addressed “Dear parents,” which claimed to come from the intelligence arm of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, also directly warned people not to take part in demonstrations.
The witness spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing crackdown.
Tens of thousands rally in Tehran in support of the government
Iranian state television showed images of demonstrators thronging Tehran toward Enghelab Square in the capital.
It called the demonstration an “Iranian uprising against American-Zionist terrorism,” without addressing the underlying anger in the country over its ailing economy, which sparked the nationwide protests over two weeks ago.
State television aired images of such demonstrations around the country, trying to signal it had overcome the protests as claimed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier Monday.
JUST IN: Iran draws tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators to the streets in show of power after nationwide protests
China supports Iran’s stability and opposes outside intervention
China says it opposes the use of force in international relations and expressed hope the Iranian government and people are “able to overcome the current difficulties and maintain national stability.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday that Beijing “always opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs, maintains that the sovereignty and security of all countries should be fully protected under international law, and opposes the use or threat of use of force in international relations.”
German chancellor condemns crackdown on protests
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned “in the strongest terms the violence that the leadership in Iran is directing against its own people.”
He said it was a sign of weakness rather than strength, adding that “this violence must end.”
Merz said during a visit to India that the demonstrators deserve “the greatest respect” for the courage with which “they are resisting the disproportional, brutal violence of Iranian security forces.”
He said: “I call on the Iranian leadership to protect its population rather than threatening it.”
Iranian official says channel with US remains open
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman on Monday suggested that a channel remained open with the United States.
Esmail Baghaei made the comment during a news conference in Tehran.
“It is open and whenever needed, through that channel, the necessary messages are exchanged,” he said.
However, Baghaei said such talks needed to be “based on the acceptance of mutual interests and concerns, not a negotiation that is one-sided, unilateral and based on dictation.”
Iranian news agency calls out celebrities, cultural leaders and writers who were supportive of protests
The semiofficial Fars news agency in Iran, which is close to paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, on Monday began calling out Iranian celebrities and leaders on social media who have expressed support for the protests over the past two weeks, especially before the internet was shut down.
The threat comes as writers and other cultural leaders were targeted even before protests.
The news agency highlighted specific celebrities who posted in solidarity with the protesters and scolded them for not condemning vandalism and destruction to public property or the deaths of security forces killed during clashes. The news agency accused those celebrities and leaders of inciting riots by expressing their support.
Canada says it ‘stands with the brave people of Iran’
Canada said it “stands with the brave people of Iran” in a statement on social media that strongly condemned the killing of protesters during widespread protests that have rocked the country over the past two weeks.
“The Iranian regime must halt its horrific repression and intimidation and respect the human rights of its citizens,” Canada’s government said on Monday.
Iran’s foreign minister claims ‘the situation has come under total control’ in the nationwide protests
Iran’s foreign minister claimed Monday that “the situation has come under total control” after a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests in the country.
Abbas Araghchi offered no evidence for his claim.
Araghchi spoke to foreign diplomats in Tehran. The Qatar-funded Al Jazeera satellite news network, which has been allowed to work despite the internet being cut off in the country, carried his remarks
Iran’s foreign minister says nationwide protests are an excuse for Trump to intervene
Iran’s foreign minister alleged Monday that nationwide protests in his nation “turned violent and bloody to give an excuse” for U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene.
Abbas Araghchi offered no evidence for his claim, which comes after over 500 have been reported killed by activists -- the vast majority coming from demonstrators.
Araghchi spoke to foreign diplomats in Tehran. The Qatar-funded Al Jazeera satellite news network, which has been allowed to work despite the internet being cut off in the country, carried his remarks.
People rally around the world in support of protests in Iran, in photos
People around the world rallied over the weekend in support of the mass protests in Iran. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
People rally around the world in support of protests in Iran, in photos
A protester smokes a cigarette after lighting it off a burning poster of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally in support of Iran’s anti-government protests, in Yalova, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
People take part in a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, Berlin Germany, Wednesday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
A woman takes part in a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, Berlin Germany, Wednesday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
Protesters hold placards during a rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government in Paris, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Protesters hold up flowers as they demonstrate in support of anti-government protests in Iran, outside Downing Street, in London, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Protesters participate in a demonstration in Berlin, Germany, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
A protester smokes a cigarette after lighting it off a burning poster of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a demonstration in Berlin, Germany, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
A buring image of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is seen during rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 in Zuerich, Switzerland.(Michael Buholzer /Keystone via AP)
A member of the Iranian community holds a photograph of Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi outside the U.S. embassy in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Iranian protesters participate in a demonstration in front of the US Consulate in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A demonstrator lights a cigarette with a burning poster depicting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally in support of Iran’s anti-government protests, in Holon, Israel Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
A member of the Iranian community holds a photograph of Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, outside the U.S. embassy in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Protesters burn the Iranian national flag during a rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government in Paris, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
A woman, with her face painted with the colors of Iran’s flag, joins with others during a small demonstration, in Istanbul, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
Activists take part in a rally supporting protesters in Iran at Lafayette Park, across from the White House in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Protesters hold up placards as they demonstrate outside the House of Parliament, in London, England, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Shiite Muslims chant slogan during a protest against U.S. and show solidarity with Iran in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
A demonstrator burns a poster of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, outside Iran’s embassy in Santiago, Chile, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
Protesters hold up placards with pictures of victims as they demonstrate in support of anti-government protests in Iran, outside Downing Street, in London, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Iranians who live in Greece take part in a protest in front of the US Embassy in Athens, Greece, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, supporting the protests in Iran. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Protesters participate in a demonstration in Berlin, Germany, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
A protester smokes a cigarette after lighting it off a burning poster of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally in support of Iran’s anti-government protests, in Yalova, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
A protester smokes a cigarette after lighting it off a burning poster of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally in support of Iran’s anti-government protests, in Yalova, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
People take part in a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, Berlin Germany, Wednesday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
People take part in a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, Berlin Germany, Wednesday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
A woman takes part in a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, Berlin Germany, Wednesday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
A woman takes part in a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, Berlin Germany, Wednesday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
Protesters hold placards during a rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government in Paris, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Protesters hold placards during a rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government in Paris, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Protesters hold up flowers as they demonstrate in support of anti-government protests in Iran, outside Downing Street, in London, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Protesters hold up flowers as they demonstrate in support of anti-government protests in Iran, outside Downing Street, in London, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Protesters participate in a demonstration in Berlin, Germany, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
Protesters participate in a demonstration in Berlin, Germany, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
A protester smokes a cigarette after lighting it off a burning poster of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a demonstration in Berlin, Germany, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
A protester smokes a cigarette after lighting it off a burning poster of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a demonstration in Berlin, Germany, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
A buring image of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is seen during rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 in Zuerich, Switzerland.(Michael Buholzer /Keystone via AP)
A buring image of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is seen during rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 in Zuerich, Switzerland.(Michael Buholzer /Keystone via AP)
A member of the Iranian community holds a photograph of Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi outside the U.S. embassy in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
A member of the Iranian community holds a photograph of Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi outside the U.S. embassy in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Iranian protesters participate in a demonstration in front of the US Consulate in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Iranian protesters participate in a demonstration in front of the US Consulate in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A demonstrator lights a cigarette with a burning poster depicting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally in support of Iran’s anti-government protests, in Holon, Israel Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
A demonstrator lights a cigarette with a burning poster depicting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally in support of Iran’s anti-government protests, in Holon, Israel Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
A member of the Iranian community holds a photograph of Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, outside the U.S. embassy in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
A member of the Iranian community holds a photograph of Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, outside the U.S. embassy in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Protesters burn the Iranian national flag during a rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government in Paris, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Protesters burn the Iranian national flag during a rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government in Paris, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
A woman, with her face painted with the colors of Iran’s flag, joins with others during a small demonstration, in Istanbul, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
A woman, with her face painted with the colors of Iran’s flag, joins with others during a small demonstration, in Istanbul, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
Activists take part in a rally supporting protesters in Iran at Lafayette Park, across from the White House in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Activists take part in a rally supporting protesters in Iran at Lafayette Park, across from the White House in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Protesters hold up placards as they demonstrate outside the House of Parliament, in London, England, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Protesters hold up placards as they demonstrate outside the House of Parliament, in London, England, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Shiite Muslims chant slogan during a protest against U.S. and show solidarity with Iran in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
Shiite Muslims chant slogan during a protest against U.S. and show solidarity with Iran in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
A demonstrator burns a poster of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, outside Iran’s embassy in Santiago, Chile, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
A demonstrator burns a poster of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, outside Iran’s embassy in Santiago, Chile, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
Protesters hold up placards with pictures of victims as they demonstrate in support of anti-government protests in Iran, outside Downing Street, in London, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Protesters hold up placards with pictures of victims as they demonstrate in support of anti-government protests in Iran, outside Downing Street, in London, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Iranians who live in Greece take part in a protest in front of the US Embassy in Athens, Greece, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, supporting the protests in Iran. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Iranians who live in Greece take part in a protest in front of the US Embassy in Athens, Greece, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, supporting the protests in Iran. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Protesters participate in a demonstration in Berlin, Germany, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
Protesters participate in a demonstration in Berlin, Germany, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
Iran calls in British ambassador after protesters remove embassy flag
Iran has summoned the British ambassador over protesters twice taking down the Iranian flag at their embassy in London.
Iranian state television also said Monday that it complained about “certain terrorist organization that, under the guise of media, spread lies and promote violence and terrorism.” The United Kingdom is home to offices of the BBC’s Persian service and Iran International, both which long have been targeted by Iran.
Protesters try to attack driver after truck speeds through anti-Iran demonstration in Los Angeles
Los Angeles police responded Sunday after a man drove a U-Haul box truck down a street crowded with marchers demonstrating in support of the Iranian people, causing protesters to scramble out of the way and then run after the speeding vehicle to try to attack the driver.
The U-Haul truck, with a window and side mirrors shattered, was stopped several blocks away and surrounded by police cars. ABC7 news helicopter footage showed officers keeping the crowd at bay as demonstrators swarmed the truck, throwing punches at the driver and thrusting flagpoles through the driver’s side window.
The driver, who was not identified, was detained “pending further investigation,” police said in a statement Sunday evening.
The police statement said one person was hit by the truck but nobody was seriously hurt. Two people were evaluated by paramedics and both declined treatment, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.
A banner attached on the truck said “No Shah. No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah,” an apparent reference to a U.S.-backed coup that year against then Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. The coup toppled Mossadegh and cemented the power of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. It also lit the fuse for the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
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