Iran protests: Death toll surpasses 500 as Micheal Martin says 'brutal repression' of Iranians must end

"Trump considers range of options, including military action against Iran Mass protests pose major challenge to cleric rule Death toll rises to more than 500 people in Iran Trump said Iran called to negotiate its nuclear programme, which Israel and the US bombed in a 12-day war in June. Trump has warned Iran's leaders that the United States would attack if security forces open fire on protesters."

"US-based rights group HRANA said it had verified the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 security personnel, with more than 10,600 people arrested. Iran has not given an official toll and Reuters was unable to independently verify the tallies. he repression of citizens and protesters in Iran must end, Irish premier Micheal Martin has said. Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands detained in the uprising against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule."

"Protests in Iran began in late December over the ailing economy and have transformed into the most significant challenge to the regime for several years. The internet and telephone lines have been cut off, but footage of events in Tehran and other cities has made it to social media. US president Donald Trump said on Sunday night that Iran "wants to negotiate" after he threatened action following the crackdown."

Mass protests erupted in Iran in late December over ailing economic conditions and escalated into a major challenge to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule. Rights group HRANA verified 490 protesters and 48 security personnel dead and reported more than 10,600 arrests; official Iranian figures remain unavailable and Reuters could not independently verify tallies. Internet and telephone services have been cut, though footage from Tehran and other cities reached social media. Irish premier Micheal Martin condemned the violent suppression and urged Tehran to uphold citizens' rights and begin dialogue. President Trump said Iran "wants to negotiate" and warned of U.S. action if security forces fire on protesters; advisers will meet to discuss options.

Read at Irish Independent