Iran Protests Death Toll Soars as Tehran Regime Seeks Talks with U.S.

Latest Developments

• Casualties Mount During Weekend Protests: Scores of Iranian protestors were reportedly killed throughout January 10 and 11 as the Tehran regime cracked down on demonstrations nationwide, utilizing lethal force to stem the increasing momentum. Iranian human rights groups based abroad initially estimated the death toll at over 500, while other figures indicate that the number of demonstrators killed by Iranian forces could be as high as 6,000. A precise figure is difficult to determine, as the regime has imposed a near-total internet blackout that had lasted over 84 hours as of January 12. 
• Trump Says Iran Wants to Negotiate: President Donald Trump stated on January 11 that the Iranian government had expressed a desire“ to negotiate.” Trump added that the U.S. “may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting,” emphasizing that the U.S. military was “looking” at “some very strong options.” Trump said that he was being briefed hourly on developments within Iran, adding that U.S. strikes against the regime “could happen,” although no final decision has been made. 
• Iran Threatens U.S. Bases and Israel: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf threatened to attack U.S. military assets and Israel in  the event of U.S. strikes on Iran. “Both the occupied territory [Israel] and all American military centers, bases, and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets,” Qalibaf said, warning that the “defenders of Iran will teach you an unforgettable lesson.” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei also leveled threats against the United States, stating, “In the past, the U.S. failed due to their flawed planning. Today too, their flawed scheming will cause them to fail.” 

FDD Expert Response

“The regime’s offer of talks, just days after it ruled out any further negotiations with the United States, is a well-worn tactic by Khamenei to buy time, and nothing more. He will never meet American demands to fully dismantle his nuclear and ballistic missile programs and terror networks. With hundreds, if not thousands, of unarmed Iranian protestors gunned down by the stormtroopers of the regime, it’s painfully clear that President Trump’s ‘red line’ has been crossed. Now is not the time for second chances — or to throw the regime a lifeline — but for decisive action to break the regime’s ability to rule.” — Mark Dubowitz, CEO

“With some estimating the regime has killed as many as 5,000 protesters, President Trump’s red line is in the rearview mirror. We are in uncharted waters — the biggest uprising in the regime’s history and its most brutal violence in response. The hope of President Trump is keeping people in the streets, but there’s only so long you can keep people throwing themselves in front of bullets without action.” — Richard Goldberg, Senior Advisor

“We’re now into the second phase of this earthquake in Iran, with the regime launching a brutal crackdown under the cover of an information and communications blackout. This clearly crosses Trump’s red line, and the Iranians are insulting him for good measure. It is now urgent for the president to make good on his threat to intervene. The courage of the Iranian people in continuing their revolt indicates that the United States can tip the balance in their favor if it acts now.” — Edmund Fitton-Brown, Senior Fellow

FDD Background and Analysis

“Mapping Protests in Iran,” FDD Interactive Graphic

“Trump’s Unexpected Opportunity,” by Mark Dubowitz and Behnam Ben Taleblu

“How Trump Makes Good on His Threat to Iran,” by Saeed Ghasseminejad and Behnam Ben Taleblu

“Iranian Protests Escalate as Regime Shuts Down Internet Access,” FDD Flash Brief