Trump Says Iranian Leaders Called to Negotiate as Protests Continue [WATCH]

President Donald Trump said Sunday that leaders of Iran reached out to the United States to begin negotiations, even as nationwide protests and a brutal government crackdown continue in the Islamic Republic, as reported by Joe Hoft.

Trump spoke with reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday.

“Yesterday, the leaders of Iran called; they want to negotiate,” he said, referring to outreach from Tehran following his public warnings about the ongoing unrest in Iran. The President indicated a meeting is being arranged but added that action “may have to” take place before talks occur, depending on developments on the ground.

“We may meet with them. I mean, a meeting is being set up. But a meeting is being set up. Iran called, they want to negotiate,” Trump told reporters.

The comments come as Iran faces widespread demonstrations that began in late December over economic hardship, including a collapsing currency, and quickly expanded into protests calling for broader political change.

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According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, more than 10,600 people have been arrested, and at least 544 people have been killed in the protests and resulting clashes with security forces.

Iran’s leadership has responded to the unrest with crackdowns and internet blackouts, restricting communications across the country.

Iranian authorities have described the protests as a “terrorist war” and asserted they have the situation under control, even as officials warn that foreign interference would be met with strong opposition.

The U.S. State Department’s account in Persian echoes (and translates into Persian) President Trump’s threat pic.twitter.com/S0vbOgLNeK

— Middle East Monitor (@MEMonitorX) January 2, 2026

In Tehran, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has publicly warned that the U.S. military and Israeli forces would be “legitimate targets” if American strikes occur.

Trump’s remarks Sunday reflect a complex diplomatic backdrop. While he said negotiations are underway, he also stressed that the United States “may have to act” before formal talks due to ongoing violence in Iran and the regime’s response to demonstrators.

Protests in Iran have drawn support from outside the country, including from the exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has urged Iranians to continue demonstrations and has thanked President Trump for his warnings to Iranian authorities.

Pahlavi said Trump’s stance offers “strength and hope” to those challenging the regime.

In recent days, protests have continued despite an internet blackout and a heavy security response.

The unrest marks one of the most significant challenges to Iran’s clerical leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with protesters calling for economic relief and broader political change.

Iran’s Foreign Minister has indicated that the country is willing to engage in talks, including on matters related to nuclear and economic issues, while rejecting any foreign interference in internal affairs.

Tehran has stated that communication channels remain open with the United States, even as the regime maintains a firm stance against external pressure.

Trump’s announcement that Iranian leaders have initiated dialogue comes amid tensions that include warnings of possible U.S. military or cyber responses if Iranian authorities continue to use deadly force against peaceful demonstrators.

.@POTUS: “Iran’s in big trouble. It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible… We’re watching… I made the statement very strongly that if they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved.” pic.twitter.com/99HtskvGPf

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 9, 2026

As of Sunday, details about the timing and location of any negotiations have not been released. The White House said it would provide updates as events unfold.

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