President Donald Trump speaks to reporters while in flight on Air Force One to Joint Base Andrews. (Photo: AP/X/@Khamenei_fa)
US President Donald Trump said Iran has reached out to the United States to seek negotiations after he warned of possible action over Tehran’s crackdown on protesters, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said his administration was in contact with Iranian officials to arrange talks, but he cautioned that the United States could act first as reports of deaths and arrests continue.
President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport. (AP Photo)
“Iran wants to negotiate,” Trump said. “They called to negotiate.” He added, “I think they’re tired of being beaten up by the United States.”
Trump said the outreach followed his warning that Washington would respond if Iranian authorities continued using deadly force against protesters. “If they start shooting, we’ll get involved,” he had said earlier in the week.
Activists say at least 544 people have been killed in nationwide protests across Iran, with fears that the true toll may be higher. Iranian authorities have not confirmed the figures and have continued to detain protesters.
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Trump said talks were being discussed, but stressed that the situation on the ground remained serious.
Protesters participate in a demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
“We’re talking about setting something up,” he said, while noting that the United States was watching developments closely.
Trump is considering several options, including military strikes or new sanctions targeting Iranian officials or key sectors such as energy and banking.
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President Donald Trump speaks to reporters while in flight on Air Force One to Joint Base Andrews. (Photo: AP/X/@Khamenei_fa) 
