President Trump answers questions about Iran during a press conference aboard Air Force One on the 11th.

President Donald Trump said that Iranian leaders called seeking dialogue with Washington as they faced threats of military action to suppress widespread anti-government protests in Tehran.

“The leaders of Iran have called,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, the 11th. “We’re set for a meeting. They want to negotiate.”

However, he added, “We have to take action before the meeting,” without further details.

It was not immediately clear what Iran would want to negotiate. The two countries have engaged in indirect dialogue in the past concerning Tehran’s controversial nuclear program.

Trump has taken a hard line against Iran. Operations like the elimination of General Soleimani or the bombing of nuclear facilities have been carried out abruptly during negotiations with Iran.

Earlier on the 11th, President Trump stated that several options were being considered to support the protesters in Iran, amidst unconfirmed reports that more than 500 people had died in the suppression of anti-government protests over the past 15 days.

“The military is looking at this, and we have some very strong options,” Trump told reporters, adding that he was in contact with Iranian opposition leaders, but did not provide specifics.

The United States and other Western countries have condemned the Iranian government's crackdown on protesters.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged from within Iran of hundreds of thousands participating in pro-government demonstrations in Tehran, and claims that attempts by the United States and Israel to overthrow the Iranian regime have failed.

This comes after the Iranian government urged its citizens to participate in nationwide rallies on the 12th condemning the "terrorist acts" of the United States and Israel.

Human rights groups and state media reported protests, arrests, and violence in dozens of cities across Iran on January 11th. The protests entered their third week amidst increasing pressure from security forces.

Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), an Iran-based human rights advocacy group, stated on January 11th that 544 people had died during the protests over the past 15 days.

HRANA reported that at least 10,061 people have been arrested, and protests have occurred in 186 cities and towns across all 31 provinces.

Reputable media outlets reported that the figures could not be independently verified due to the near-complete shutdown of the internet within the country and limited phone services, making information access difficult.

Human rights groups argue that Iran's digital blackout is part of an effort to conceal state violence committed during the security crackdown.

President Trump announced on January 11th that he plans to meet with billionaire Elon Musk to restore internet access in Iran.

Musk's SpaceX provides Starlink satellite internet service, which has been used in conflict zones, including Ukraine, in the past.

Earlier, on the 9th, President Trump said in a White House meeting, "Iran is in big trouble. It looks like people are taking over cities that nobody thought could be taken over just a few weeks ago."

Trump's remarks received explicit support from Reza Palavi, the former Crown Prince of Iran and a figure in the opposition.

Palavi stated in a video released on the 11th, "President Trump, the leader of the free world, has closely watched your indescribable courage and is ready to help you."

The United Nations, the European Union, and Western governments have also expressed support for the protest movement in Iran.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated on January 11th that he was "shocked" by reports of violence against protesters and urged the government to exercise restraint and "refrain from the use of unnecessary or excessive force."

The unrest, triggered by soaring prices, high inflation, and a collapsing national currency, has emerged as the most serious challenge the Islamic Republic has faced in years.

The Iranian government has indicated its intention to confront the current situation head-on.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed "terrorists" linked to foreign entities for the unrest, accusing the United States and Israel of trying to "foment chaos and disorder" in Iran.

In a televised address on January 11th, he said, "If the people have concerns, it is our duty to resolve them, but a more important duty is not to allow groups of rioters to throw the entire society into chaos."

US NNP = Chief Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special Contribution to this paper NNP info@newsandpost.com