Iran says it is 'prepared for war' but ready to negotiate with the US based on “mutual respect and interests,” after US President Donald Trump said Tehran called to negotiate as his administration weighs possible military intervention during widespread anti-government protests.

More than 500 protesters have been killed and almost 10,700 people have been arrested, according to a US-based rights group, as the demonstrations now enter a third week. A communications blackout imposed by Iranian authorities has now lasted more than three days. 

Protests are being seen beyond Iran’s borders. In Los Angeles, a person was detained after driving a truck through a crowd of anti-Iranian government protesters. In Tehran, the British ambassador was summoned after a protester in London tore down the Iranian embassy’s flag.

Top Iranian government officials, including the country’s president and foreign minister, participated in pro-regime rallies in Tehran today, according to official Iranian media.

“Iranian people should remain strong and present. Their presence encourages us,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said while marching among thousands in the capital, as seen in video published by Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

The country’s President Masoud Pezeshkian was also seen in a video from IRIB, surrounded by several men and waving to participants.

Pro-government rallies were held across Iran as the country entered a third week of nationwide anti-government protests.

Officials addressed supporters at the rallies, describing the anti-government demonstrations as “foreign-backed riots.”

(Source: BBC)