Iran open for talks with US amid deadly crackdown, war preparations

Iran has stated it is “prepared for war” with the United States but is keeping diplomatic channels open for negotiations.

This comes as nationwide protests, now in their third week, face a intensified and deadly security crackdown.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Tehran has reached out for talks, stating, “We might meet with them,” while also warning his administration “may have to act” due to the ongoing violence in Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi echoed the dual stance, expressing openness to dialogue based on “mutual respect and interests” while insisting the domestic situation is “under total control.”

Behind these diplomatic signals, significant unrest continues. Protests initially sparked by economic hardship have broadened into challenges to Iran’s clerical rule. A nationwide internet and telephone blackout, now lasting several days, has severely restricted communication.

Human rights groups report a sharply rising death toll, with nearly 500 protesters killed, marking one of the deadliest periods of unrest in recent years.

Iranian authorities blame the violence on “foreign-linked terrorists,” while the U.S. considers its response. President Trump is expected to consult advisors on options ranging from tighter sanctions and cyber measures to potential military action.

Analysts warn that military strikes could result in heavy civilian casualties.

Iran has issued stern warnings in return, with parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stating that any U.S. attack would make “occupied territories”—a reference to Israel—and all U.S. bases and ships legitimate targets for retaliation.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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