Iran Keeps Channels of Communication Open with Washington while Trump Hints at Sanctions and Military Strikes

SadaNews - Iran has announced that it still keeps channels of communication open with the United States, at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump is considering options to respond to a violent crackdown on protests in the country, which represent one of the greatest challenges facing the theocratic regime since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Alongside the possibility of military action, Trump stated that he would impose a 25% tariff on the exports of any country that engages in trade with Iran, affirming that this decision is "final and decisive," without clarifying the legal basis or scope of its application.

In this context, the Wall Street Journal reported that the White House is considering accepting an Iranian offer to engage in diplomatic talks regarding the nuclear program, although Trump currently leans towards the option of military strikes.

The newspaper quoted officials as saying that Vice President J.D. Vance and several senior administration aides are advocating for giving diplomacy priority before any escalation.

Trump warned the Iranian leadership that Washington may launch an attack if the targeting of protesters continues, noting that he is in touch with some members of the Iranian opposition and does not rule out holding meetings with officials from Tehran.

White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt told reporters that "diplomacy is always the first option for the president," but he is also considering various alternatives, including airstrikes.

She added, "What you hear publicly from the Iranian regime is completely different from the messages that the U.S. administration receives in secret, and I believe the president is interested in exploring these messages."

These developments come amid the widening protests within Iran, which began against a backdrop of difficult economic conditions and then evolved into political demands calling for the overthrow of the theocratic regime, while human rights organizations have reported the deaths of hundreds and the arrest of thousands since the outbreak of protests in late December.

The Iranian leadership is currently facing widespread demonstrations across the country, which started as protests against severe economic difficulties but have evolved to include calls for the overthrow of the religious institution, particularly as its regional influence has notably declined.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) confirmed that 646 people have been killed, including 505 protesters, 113 security forces, and 7 bystanders, indicating that they are currently verifying another 579 deaths.

The agency added that Iranian authorities have arrested more than 10,000 people since the protests erupted on December 28, reflecting the scale of the intense security campaigns against the protesters.