• Death toll from protests in Iran has reached at least 572, with 10,600 arrests reported.
• Trump claims Iran is willing to negotiate following threats of U.S. military action.
• Iranian officials warn of severe retaliations against U.S. and Israel if attacked.
• Protests intensified due to economic grievances and government crackdown on dissent.
• Internet blackout complicates communication and reporting from within Iran.

The ongoing protests in Iran have escalated dramatically, with human rights activists reporting a death toll of at least 572, including at least 503 civilians and 69 security personnel, amid over 10,600 arrests since December 28, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRA) Channel News Asia, India Times, NPR, LA Times.

President Donald Trump has indicated that Iranian leaders have expressed a desire to negotiate with the U.S. following his threats of military action in response to their violent crackdown on demonstrators. Trump stated, "Iran wants to negotiate, yes. We might meet with them," but cautioned that actions could precede negotiations due to worsening conditions on the ground India Times, NPR.

Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, has issued warnings that U.S. military bases and Israel would become "legitimate targets" if the U.S. were to engage militarily in response to the ongoing protests. This comes as Iranian authorities have faced significant criticism for their violent suppression of dissent amidst these protests Channel News Asia, LA Times.

The situation in Iran has been deteriorating following deepening economic crises that have fueled discontent among the populace. Protests began primarily due to the collapse of the Iranian rial and worsened as calls to end the theocratic regime have emerged. However, the internet blackout imposed by the Iranian government complicates communication and independent verification of events NPR, India Times.

Amidst rising tensions, experts have noted that while the anger of the Iranian people is palpable, there is currently no visible dissent within the security apparatus that enforces the regime's policies. Observers remain cautious regarding potential outcomes as calls for reforms continue to go largely unaddressed LA Times, NPR.