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.

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.

Anti-government protests against Iran’s Islamic regime have intensified across Tehran and other parts of the country, with demonstrators chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid a deepening economic crisis and widespread restrictions imposed by authorities.

As night fell on Thursday, neighbourhoods across the Iranian capital echoed with chants after exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called on people to protest at 8 pm local time. Witnesses said crowds gathered despite heavy security presence, with slogans including “Death to the dictator” and “Death to the Islamic Republic” heard in multiple areas.

Internet shutdown and warnings from authorities

Iranian authorities cut off internet access and international telephone calls as the demonstrations gained momentum. The judiciary and security forces warned of a harsh response, even as protesters continued chanting calls for freedom.

Pahlavi accused the government of attempting to silence dissent by shutting down communication networks. He said landlines, internet services and possibly satellite signals had been disrupted to prevent images and voices from reaching the outside world.

The exiled prince urged European leaders to join US President Donald Trump in holding the Iranian regime accountable and called for technical and diplomatic efforts to restore communication access for Iranians.

Support for monarchy slogans resurfaces

Some demonstrators were heard chanting slogans in praise of Iran’s former monarchy, including “This is the last battle, Pahlavi will return.” While such chants were once punishable by death, their re-emergence reflects growing anger over economic hardship and political repression.

It remains unclear whether the slogans indicate direct support for Reza Pahlavi or a broader rejection of the system established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Protests spread nationwide, casualties reported

Demonstrations have continued to spread to cities and rural towns across Iran, with markets and bazaars shutting down in solidarity. At least 42 people have been killed and more than 2,270 detained since the unrest began, according to human rights groups based outside Iran.

Reports have also emerged of security personnel being killed or injured during clashes. Iranian media have reported fatal attacks on police officers and security forces in multiple provinces, including Tehran’s outskirts, Kermanshah, and northeastern regions.

Economic crisis fuels unrest

The current wave of protests, the largest in three years, began in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar after shopkeepers protested the sharp fall of the national currency. Iran’s inflation rate stood at 52 per cent year-on-year in December, according to official data.

The rial has continued to weaken, with one US dollar now costing around 1.4 million rials. Protesters have blamed economic mismanagement, sanctions, and restrictions on social and political freedoms for their worsening living conditions.

President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the economic pain faced by citizens and described protesters’ demands as legitimate, though he admitted the government’s ability to reverse the currency collapse is limited.

Leaderless movement and uncertain outcome

Despite the scale of the unrest, the protests remain largely leaderless. Analysts note that the absence of a clear alternative leadership has weakened previous protest movements in Iran, with many potential leaders having been arrested, exiled or silenced over the years.

Authorities have yet to launch a full-scale crackdown, though past internet shutdowns have often preceded harsher measures.

Trump issues warning to Tehran

US President Donald Trump warned Iran last week against violently suppressing peaceful protesters, saying the country would “pay hell” if security forces killed demonstrators. He stopped short of confirming any direct engagement with Pahlavi, stating that it was too early to determine who might emerge as a leader of the movement.

As protests continue and communication restrictions remain in place, the situation inside Iran remains tense, with uncertainty over how the regime will respond in the coming days.