Iran Acknowledges Protest Fatalities While Claiming the Situation Is Managed

Iran's leadership is facing unprecedented pressure as President Trump considers his strategy amid a rising death toll from over two weeks of anti-establishment protests.

President Trump announced on Sunday that Iranian leaders had reached out expressing a desire for dialogue following his persistent warnings of potential intervention if more protesters are harmed. Meanwhile, in an uncommon move, Iranian state television broadcast footage revealing extensive casualties in a morgue near Tehran.

The footage, widespread online, identified by CBS News as originating from the suburb of Kahrizak near southern Tehran, depicted numerous bodies bagged in black, with families mourning and searching for relatives.

The state broadcast suggested some deceased were engaged in violent acts; however, it noted that most were civilians, with mourning families also being ordinary people.

Videos shared online by citizens also showed scenes of mourning at the morgue as people searched among the deceased for their loved ones.

The reasons behind the Iranian regime's decision to display these fatalities publicly remain unclear. It might aim to empathize with the protesters or propose that the unrest is spurred by radical influences, encouraged by President Trump's supportive comments.

Trump Issues New Warning Amid Iranian Interest in Talks

On a Sunday flight aboard Air Force One, President Trump disclosed that Iranian leaders reached out, aiming for discussions. He speculated that talks would be arranged soon.

Trump cautioned that the U.S. might need to respond even before such a meeting happens. He has previously implied readiness to aid if Iran continues to harm protesters, though specifics of any planned U.S. actions remain undefined.

A prominent U.S. official relayed to CBS News that Trump has been briefed on potential military responses within Iran, emphasizing a potential strong reaction against any future crackdown by the Iranian regime.

"We are prepared to strike significantly," he assured from the White House, emphasizing non-ground deployments for potential action.

Iran's Diplomatic Claim of Controlled Protests

While Iran hasn't confirmed any official overtures to the Trump administration, on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that protests are now under control, reiterating accusations of U.S. instigation.

This assertion came amid large-scale pro-regime rallies reportedly aired on Iran's national media.

Iran's IRIB network characterized one of these gatherings as an uprising against "American-Zionist terrorism."

Despite facing U.S. threats, Araghchi conveyed Iran's readiness for either confrontation or dialogue with the American government.

Escalating Deaths: Rights Groups Report Higher Casualties

Humanitarian organizations operating outside Iran, accessing inside sources, suggest hundreds have already perished in the turmoil.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency disclosed that at least 544 individuals have died over the 15 days of unrest, with both protesters and security forces among the casualties across numerous Iranian cities.

The Center for Human Rights in Iran alleged a massacre during nationwide internet blackouts, with countless fatalities reported.

Norway-based Iran Human Rights estimated at least 192 protester deaths, cautioning that the true number could exceed 2,000.

Human Rights Activists in Iran also reported more than 10,000 arrests amid these developments.