Trump Says Studying ‘Very Strong Options’ for Iran Amid Protests

At least 544 people have been killed so far, including 496 protesters and 48 people from the security forces, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

It said more than 10,600 people also have been detained over the two weeks of protests.

Initially sparked by anger over the rising cost of living, the demonstrations have evolved into a serious challenge of the theocratic system in place since the 1979 revolution.

Information has continued to trickle out of Iran despite a days-long internet shutdown, with videos filtering out of capital Tehran and other cities over the past three nights showing large demonstrations.

As reports emerge of a growing protest death toll, and images show bodies piled outside a morgue, Trump said Tehran indicated its willingness to talk.

"The leaders of Iran called" Monday, Trump told reporters, adding that "a meeting is being set up... They want to negotiate."

He added, however, that "we may have to act before a meeting.”

In response, Iranian foreign minister said that Tehran is fully prepared for conflict but also ready for negotiations.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is not seeking war but is fully prepared for war," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told a conference of foreign ambassadors in Tehran broadcast by state TV. 

"We are also ready for negotiations but these negotiations should be fair, with equal rights and based on mutual respect."

He also said that “the situation has come under total control” after a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests.

The protests “turned violent and bloody to give an excuse” for to intervene, the Iranian top diplomat said.

A video circulating on Jan. 11 showed dozens of bodies accumulating outside a morgue south of Tehran.