The United States President Donald Trump has claimed that Iranian authorities reached out through a telephonic exchange on Saturday and sought to "negotiate" and discuss following his military action threats in the wake of mass anti-government protests in the Islamic republic.
Speaking to mediapersons aboard Air Force One, Trump said on Sunday (January 11), "Yesterday, the leaders of Iran called to negotiate. A meeting is being set up. I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States," he said.
Also Read | US urges citizens to exit Venezuela, warns of threat from 'Colectivos'
However, Trump remarked that the "US might have to act before a meeting".
“We may meet with them. But we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting," he said.
Action against Iran
Trump asserted that the US Army was considering "very seriously" potential action against Iran as it was killing people "that aren't supposed to be killed".
"These are violent if you call them leaders. I don't know if they're leaders or if they just rule through violence," said Trump.
Activists report at least 538 confirmed deaths from the protests that have occurred across Iran over the past few weeks, as well as numerous other casualties. Human rights monitoring agencies have based their information on verified local sources. 490 of the deceased have been identified as protesters and 48 as members of the Iranian security forces.
Additionally, the levels of violence and brutality associated with these protests represent some of the most extreme examples of state-sponsored violence in the world today.
Monitoring situation closely
The American commander-in-chief said that the US military is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and looking at some "very strong options". "We'll make a determination," he said.
Also Read | Will Donald Trump ever order Vladimir Putin’s capture? Here’s what the US President replied
However, he did not provide any details on any specific military plans. "Are you asking me to tell you where we will attack? When and at what angle will be attack?" he asked the reporters.
Trump issues warning
Adding that he was receiving hourly updates on the situation within Iran, Trump issued a warning stating that if Iran or its allies even try to retaliate, "we will hit them at levels they've never been hit before". "They won't even believe it," said Trump according to a news report by NDTV World.
