The Iranian Foreign Minister stated that Iran is ready for both war and dialogue, accusing Trump of inciting “terrorists” to target protesters and security forces. President Trump said Iranian leaders contacted his administration to negotiate, while the U.S. is considering “very strong options” as Iran begins to cross Washington’s “red lines.” Trump warned that any attack on U.S. bases in the region would be met with severe retaliation.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump plans to meet senior officials to discuss possible U.S. responses to Iran’s crackdown on anti-government protests. Human rights organizations report at least 544 deaths in the protests across Iran.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded sharply after Trump’s early Monday comments suggesting possible military intervention, accusing Tehran of crossing his red line. Araghchi told Al Jazeera, “We are ready for war, but also for dialogue.”

He further accused Trump of inciting terrorists to create violence as a pretext for foreign intervention, stating the protests had been made violent to justify U.S. interference. Araghchi claimed the violent protests, which human rights groups say have caused over 500 deaths, are “under full control” and said internet access would be restored soon.

Trump said Iranian leaders contacted his administration to negotiate after his threats of military action amid mass protests against the Islamic Republic. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said, “Iranian leaders called,” and “a meeting is being prepared… They want to negotiate.” However, Trump also indicated the U.S. might act before any meeting, warning that U.S. forces are considering “very strong options” as Iran crosses Washington’s red lines.

“We are taking this issue very seriously. The military is looking into it, and we are considering very strong options. We will make a decision,” Trump said, adding a stern warning: “If Iran attacks our bases in the region, we will hit harder than ever before.”

The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday with top officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Kane, to discuss possible U.S. actions in response to Iran’s suppression of protests. Options under consideration include boosting online platforms against the Iranian government, deploying cyber weapons against Iranian military and political sites, imposing additional sanctions, and potential military strikes.

The death toll from the protests continues to rise. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 544 people have died, a sharp increase from 116 the previous evening. Another 579 death reports are under investigation, potentially raising the total to 1,123. Over 10,681 people have been detained since the protests began.

Most victims were killed by live fire or pellets, often at close range. Iranian state TV showed images of dozens of body bags at the forensic center in Tehran, blaming deaths on “armed terrorists.” Footage also showed relatives gathered at the Kahrizak Forensic Medical Center awaiting the identification of bodies.