US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s leadership has reached out to his administration seeking negotiations, even as large-scale anti-government protests continue across the country and Washington signals possible military action.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Iranian leaders had contacted him after his recent warnings. “The leaders of Iran called yesterday,” he said, adding that a meeting was being planned. However, he cautioned that the United States “may have to act before a meeting.”

The remarks come amid reports of deaths during protests in several Iranian cities. Trump accused Iran’s rulers of maintaining control through force, saying there were indications that people had been killed who “aren’t supposed to be killed.”

He said the US military was closely monitoring developments and that senior officials were reviewing what he described as “very strong options.” Trump said he was receiving hourly briefings on the situation and that a decision would be made after assessing all factors.

When asked if Iran had crossed a red line, Trump declined to provide operational details, saying he would not disclose how or where the US might act. “We’re gonna make a determination,” he said.

Addressing reports of fatalities among protesters, Trump suggested that some deaths occurred due to crowd stampedes, while others involved gunfire. He did not provide specific figures or details.

Trump also issued a strong warning against any retaliation by Iran or its allied groups. He said any such response would be met with unprecedented force, stating that the US would strike “at levels that they’ve never been hit before.”

The US President said Iran should already be aware of Washington’s resolve, referring to previous American actions against high-profile militant leaders and what he described as the elimination of Iran’s nuclear threat.

Trump did not clarify whether the US had coordinated with allies on a potential response or outline a timeline for further action.

Iran has witnessed repeated waves of unrest in recent weeks, with thousands of people participating in protests against the current regime in cities across the country.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday escalated her confrontation with the Centre following Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids linked to the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), asserting that political attacks only strengthen her resolve.

Banerjee led a nearly 6-kilometre protest rally in Kolkata, beginning from Jadavpur and ending at Hazra, with senior Trinamool Congress leaders and party workers marching alongside her. Large crowds gathered along the route in a show of support.

Addressing party supporters after the rally, the Trinamool Congress chairperson defended her decision to enter the residence of I-PAC co-founder Pratik Jain during the ED raids on Thursday, an act that has drawn criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party and prompted demands for an investigation.

“I did nothing illegal. I went there as the Trinamool Congress chairperson,” Banerjee said, adding that several items had already been taken away by the time she reached the premises.

Allegations of misuse of central agencies

The chief minister accused the Centre of using agencies such as the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation for political purposes. Questioning the intent behind the raids, she said political opponents were attempting to weaken her party ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

“If someone tries to kill me politically, don’t I have the right to defend myself?” she asked.

The ED action against I-PAC is linked to an alleged coal scam. Banerjee claimed that leaders from the BJP were also involved in coal-related irregularities and asserted that she possessed evidence. “I have proof on pen drives. I will release it when the time comes,” she said.

‘Politically rejuvenated and reborn’

Taking a combative tone, Banerjee said repeated attempts to target her had only made her stronger politically. “If someone tries to hit me politically, I get politically rejuvenated and reborn,” she declared.

Referring to recent political developments in other states, she alleged that central agencies had been used to destabilise elected governments elsewhere, adding that similar attempts would fail in West Bengal. She expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress would secure a decisive mandate in the 2026 Assembly polls.

BJP hits back

The BJP accused the West Bengal government of corruption and claimed that the chief minister’s actions during the ED raids raised serious questions. Party leaders alleged that Banerjee had intimidated officials and demanded that she be made an accused in the case.

The political confrontation comes hours after several Trinamool Congress MPs, including Derek O’Brien and Mahua Moitra, were detained by Delhi Police while protesting outside Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s office. Banerjee criticised the detentions, describing the ruling party’s approach to democracy as one that demands “obedience”.

US President Donald Trump has once again raised the possibility of using force to take control of Greenland, dismissing Denmark’s sovereignty over the autonomous Arctic island and framing the issue as a matter of US national security.

Speaking at a White House meeting with oil executives on Friday, Trump said the United States would act on Greenland “whether they like it or not,” reiterating his long-standing interest in acquiring the mineral-rich territory.

“I would like to make a deal, the easy way. But if we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way,” Trump said when asked about Greenland.

Trump links Greenland control to Arctic security

Trump argued that Washington cannot allow rival powers to gain a foothold in Greenland, citing increased military activity by Russia and China in the Arctic region.

“We’re not going to have Russia or China occupy Greenland. That’s what they’re going to do if we don’t,” he said, adding that the US would act either “the nice way or the more difficult way.”

While Russia and China have stepped up their presence in the Arctic in recent years, neither country has made any territorial claim over Greenland.

Denmark and allies react with concern

Trump’s remarks have sparked strong reactions in Denmark and among European allies. Denmark, which governs Greenland as an autonomous territory, has expressed shock over the repeated threats.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any invasion of Greenland would bring an end to “everything,” referring to NATO and the post-World War II security framework.

The United States already operates a military base in Greenland, underscoring its existing strategic presence in the region.

Trump dismisses Danish sovereignty claims

Despite the backlash, Trump played down Denmark’s concerns and questioned its historical claim over the island.

“I’m a fan of Denmark, too,” he said, adding that the country had been “very nice” to him. However, he remarked that Denmark’s historical presence did not automatically translate into ownership of Greenland.

“The fact that they had a boat land there 500 years ago doesn’t mean that they own the land,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Denmark’s foreign minister and representatives from Greenland next week, as diplomatic tensions over the issue continue.