'We may have to act': Iran wants to 'negotiate' with US? Trump makes fresh claim as protests intensify

The US President, Donald Trump, on Sunday claimed that he had a telephonic exchange with leaders in Iran, who sought “to negotiate” after his threats of military action amid mass anti-government protests in the Islamic republic.“Yesterday, the leaders of Iran called to negotiate. I think they are tired of being beat up by the United States,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.“We may meet with them. A meeting is being set up. But we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting,” he added.The US President also said that the US Army is “very seriously” considering potential action against Iran as it continues to crack down on civilians amid mass anti-government protests.“They’re starting to, it looks like,” Trump said when asked by reporters aboard Air Force One if Iran had crossed his previously stated red line of protesters being killed.“We’re looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination,” he said.According to US officials, Trump is seriously considering authorising a strike in response to the Iranian regime’s efforts to suppress demonstrations triggered by widespread economic grievances.

The president has been presented with a range of options, including strikes on non-military sites in Tehran, the capital, The New York Times reported, citing sources.Senior US officials said that at least some of the options presented to Trump would be tied directly to elements of the country’s security services that are using violence to put down the growing protests.This comes as more than 500 civilians are feared dead in nationwide protests in Iran, fuelled by a deepening economic crisis.Meanwhile, Iran on Sunday issued a stark warning, saying US military bases in the region and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if Washington launches an attack on the Islamic Republic.The threat was delivered by Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf as lawmakers surged toward the dais in parliament chanting, “Death to America!”Qalibaf said the government would respond forcefully to the unrest, declaring: “The people of Iran should know that we will deal with them in the most severe way and punish those who are arrested.”