This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors.
Tractors are parked in front of the Serbian parliament building ahead of a big counter-opposition protest rally planned to be staged over the weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
People hold a giant Serbian flag ahead of a big counter-opposition protest rally planned to stage over the weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
People hold a giant Serbian flag ahead of a big counter-opposition protest rally planned to stage over the weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Tractors are parked in front of the Serbian parliament building ahead of a big counter-opposition protest rally planned to be staged over the weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
A person shouts as a group of students who walked across the country arrive at an anti-corruption protest in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Students carry a banner reading "Students" in Serbian Latin alphabet during an anti-corruption protest in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A student carries a banner during an anti-corruption protest in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A person draped in the Serbian flag and others observe seventeen minutes of silence during an anti-corruption protest led by university students in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
People observe seventeen minutes of silence during an anti-corruption protest led by university students in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Protesters spill red paint in front of a local police station during an anti-corruption protest led by university students in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
People chant in front of a local police station during an anti-corruption protest led by university students in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A person dressed in a Pikachu costume poses for photographs with people during an anti-corruption protest led by university students in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A student observes seventeen minutes of silence during an anti-corruption protest in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Supporters of Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic gather during a rally, apparently designed to counter student-led gatherings, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
A supporter of Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic holds his photo during a rally, apparently designed to counter student-led gatherings, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Supporters of Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic gather during a rally in his support, apparently designed to counter student-led gatherings, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic speaks to his supporters gathered during a huge rally in his support, apparently designed to counter student-led gatherings in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Supporters of Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic gather during a rally, apparently designed to counter student-led gatherings, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Supporters of Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic gather during a rally, apparently designed to counter student-led gatherings, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic greets his supporters gathered during a huge rally in his support, apparently designed to counter student-led gatherings in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Anti-riot police cordons off the area near the Parliament building during a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Protesters chant slogans as they march during a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Effigies representing protesters' demands are displayed during a performance at a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Crowds gather during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Protesters march during a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
A man is carried into an ambulance during a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. The reason why the man collapsed is unknown. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Protesters march past the pro-Vucic camp during a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Protesters march during a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Tens of thousands gather in front of the Serbian parliament during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
People gather in front of the Serbian parliament during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A man yells as a group of cyclists arrive ahead of a major rally this weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
A man rides on the top of a tractor as people welcome protesters from other provinces who have arrived ahead of a major rally this weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
People welcome protesters from provinces who have arrived ahead of a major rally this weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
A person sits on a tractor as a large group led by students arrive at a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
People turn on the lights on their cell phones as they attend a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A large group led by students wave flags as they arrive at a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
People greet university students as they arrive at a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A university student is hugged by a person at a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A large group of university students arrive at a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Students and anti-government protesters march to Belgrade for a joint protest after taking a break in Nova Pazova, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
A group of university students run as they arrive at a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Protesters wave flags ahead of a major rally this weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Protesters gather ahead of a major rally this weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
People cheer and greet university students as they arrive at a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Protesters light flares as they gather ahead of a major rally this weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
A protester yells from the top of a tractor ahead of a major rally this weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Police officers stand guard prior to a an anti-corruption rally in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Police officers stand guard prior to a an anti-corruption rally in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Police officers stand guard prior to a an anti-corruption rally in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Supporters of the Serbian president are seen inside a park as police in riot gear protect them during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A protester rides his bicycle past damaged tractors parked by supporters of the Serbian president during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
People standing on a truck are greeted by others during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
People stay in front of Serbian parliament building near students and former paramilitary fighters loyal to President Aleksandar Vucic, who camp outside the presidency building, prior to a major anti-corruption rally in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
People sit on a tractor during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Protesters block a street while waving Serbian flags during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Serbian army veterans are seen during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A man who allegedly claimed he was armed with bombs is detained by plain clothed police during a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
A man waves a Serbian fleg in front of Serbian parliament building prior to a major anti-corruption rally in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
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Tractors are parked in front of the Serbian parliament building ahead of a big counter-opposition protest rally planned to be staged over the weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
People hold a giant Serbian flag ahead of a big counter-opposition protest rally planned to stage over the weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
People hold a giant Serbian flag ahead of a big counter-opposition protest rally planned to stage over the weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Tractors are parked in front of the Serbian parliament building ahead of a big counter-opposition protest rally planned to be staged over the weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
A person shouts as a group of students who walked across the country arrive at an anti-corruption protest in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Students carry a banner reading "Students" in Serbian Latin alphabet during an anti-corruption protest in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A student carries a banner during an anti-corruption protest in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A person draped in the Serbian flag and others observe seventeen minutes of silence during an anti-corruption protest led by university students in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
People observe seventeen minutes of silence during an anti-corruption protest led by university students in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Protesters spill red paint in front of a local police station during an anti-corruption protest led by university students in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
People chant in front of a local police station during an anti-corruption protest led by university students in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A person dressed in a Pikachu costume poses for photographs with people during an anti-corruption protest led by university students in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A student observes seventeen minutes of silence during an anti-corruption protest in the southwestern town of Novi Pazar, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Supporters of Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic gather during a rally, apparently designed to counter student-led gatherings, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
A supporter of Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic holds his photo during a rally, apparently designed to counter student-led gatherings, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Supporters of Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic gather during a rally in his support, apparently designed to counter student-led gatherings, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic speaks to his supporters gathered during a huge rally in his support, apparently designed to counter student-led gatherings in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Supporters of Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic gather during a rally, apparently designed to counter student-led gatherings, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Supporters of Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic gather during a rally, apparently designed to counter student-led gatherings, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic greets his supporters gathered during a huge rally in his support, apparently designed to counter student-led gatherings in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Anti-riot police cordons off the area near the Parliament building during a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Protesters chant slogans as they march during a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Effigies representing protesters' demands are displayed during a performance at a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Crowds gather during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Protesters march during a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
A man is carried into an ambulance during a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. The reason why the man collapsed is unknown. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Protesters march past the pro-Vucic camp during a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Protesters march during a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Tens of thousands gather in front of the Serbian parliament during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
People gather in front of the Serbian parliament during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A man yells as a group of cyclists arrive ahead of a major rally this weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
A man rides on the top of a tractor as people welcome protesters from other provinces who have arrived ahead of a major rally this weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
People welcome protesters from provinces who have arrived ahead of a major rally this weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
A person sits on a tractor as a large group led by students arrive at a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
People turn on the lights on their cell phones as they attend a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A large group led by students wave flags as they arrive at a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
People greet university students as they arrive at a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A university student is hugged by a person at a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A large group of university students arrive at a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Students and anti-government protesters march to Belgrade for a joint protest after taking a break in Nova Pazova, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
A group of university students run as they arrive at a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Protesters wave flags ahead of a major rally this weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Protesters gather ahead of a major rally this weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
People cheer and greet university students as they arrive at a protest ahead of a major anti-corruption rally this weekend, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Protesters light flares as they gather ahead of a major rally this weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
A protester yells from the top of a tractor ahead of a major rally this weekend in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Police officers stand guard prior to a an anti-corruption rally in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Police officers stand guard prior to a an anti-corruption rally in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Police officers stand guard prior to a an anti-corruption rally in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Supporters of the Serbian president are seen inside a park as police in riot gear protect them during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A protester rides his bicycle past damaged tractors parked by supporters of the Serbian president during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
People standing on a truck are greeted by others during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
People stay in front of Serbian parliament building near students and former paramilitary fighters loyal to President Aleksandar Vucic, who camp outside the presidency building, prior to a major anti-corruption rally in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
People sit on a tractor during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Protesters block a street while waving Serbian flags during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
Serbian army veterans are seen during a major anti-corruption rally led by university students in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
A man who allegedly claimed he was armed with bombs is detained by plain clothed police during a major rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
A man waves a Serbian fleg in front of Serbian parliament building prior to a major anti-corruption rally in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran wants to negotiate with Washington after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic over its bloody crackdown on protesters, a move coming as activists said Monday the death toll in the nationwide demonstrations rose to at least 544.
Iran had no immediate reaction to the news, which came after the foreign minister of Oman — long an interlocutor between Washington and Tehran — traveled to Iran this weekend. It also remains unclear just what Iran could promise, particularly as Trump has set strict demands over its nuclear program and its ballistic missile arsenal, which Tehran insists is crucial for its national defense.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran, insisted “the situation has come under total control” in fiery remarks that blamed Israel and the U.S. for the violence, without offering evidence.
“That’s why the demonstrations turned violent and bloody to give an excuse to the American president to intervene,” Araghchi said, in comments carried by the Qatar-funded Al Jazeera satellite news network. Al Jazeera has been allowed to report from inside the country live despite the internet being shut off.
Meanwhile Monday, Iran called for pro-government demonstrators to head to the streets in support of the theocracy, a show of force after days of protests directly challenging the rule of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state television aired chants from the crowd, who shouted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!”
Trump and his national security team have been weighing a range of potential responses against Iran including cyberattacks and direct strikes by the U.S. or Israel, according to two people familiar with internal White House discussions who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
“The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday night. Asked about Iran’s threats of retaliation, he said: “If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.”
Trump said that his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran, but cautioned that he may have to act first as reports of the death toll in Iran mount and the government continues to arrest protesters.
“I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” Trump said. “Iran wants to negotiate.”
He added: “The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up. Iran called, they want to negotiate.”
Iran through country's parliamentary speaker warned Sunday that the U.S. military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if America uses force to protect demonstrators.
More than 10,600 people also have been detained over the two weeks of protests, said 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 crosschecking information. It said 496 of the dead were protesters and 48 were with security forces.
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. Protesters flooded the streets in the country’s capital and its second-largest city on Saturday night into Sunday morning. Online videos purported to show more demonstrations Sunday night into Monday, with a Tehran official acknowledging them in state media.
In Tehran, a witness told the AP that the streets of the capital empty at the sunset call to prayers each night. By the Isha, or nighttime prayer, the streets are deserted.
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, which claimed to come from the intelligence arm of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, also directly warned people not to take part in demonstrations.
“Dear parents, in view of the enemy’s plan to increase the level of naked violence and the decision to kill people, ... refrain from being on the streets and gathering in places involved in violence, and inform your children about the consequences of cooperating with terrorist mercenaries, which is an example of treason against the country,” the text warned.
The witness spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing crackdown.
The demonstrations began Dec. 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at over 1.4 million to $1, as the country’s economy is squeezed by international sanctions in part levied over its nuclear program. The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Iran’s theocracy.
Nikhinson reported from aboard Air Force One.
In this frame grab from video obtained by the AP outside Iran, a masked demonstrator holds a picture of Iran's Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a protest in Tehran, Iran, Friday, January. 9, 2026. (UGC via AP)
In this frame grab from footage circulating on social media from Iran shows protesters taking to the streets despite an intensifying crackdown as the Islamic Republic remains cut off from the rest of the world in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.(UGC via AP)
In this frame grab from footage circulating on social media from Iran showed protesters once again taking to the streets of Tehran despite an intensifying crackdown as the Islamic Republic remains cut off from the rest of the world in Tehran, Iran, Saturday Jan. 10, 2026. (UGC via AP)