Iran claims it’s quelled protests even as unrest continues

Iran’s Foreign Minister said security forces have “full control” of the country after two weeks of violent unrest, as the government held counter-demonstrations against those demanding an end to the Islamic Republic.

Abbas Araghchi’s claim on Monday is yet to be fully tested, since the most severe protests — in which hundreds are reported to have been killed — have taken place at night.

In the meantime, videos on social media appeared to show protesters’ funerals, with attendees heard shouting “death to Khamenei,” the country’s Supreme Leader. Bloomberg is unable to verify the footage.

State TV broadcast footage of pro-regime rallies from various cities, saying they’ve been organized to promote “national unity” and to condemn the recent “terrorist acts.”

Protests in Iran erupted on Dec. 28 after a sudden collapse in the value of the currency. They broadened into the biggest and most violent challenge to the rule of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Republic since it was established after the 1979 revolution that ousted a pro-U.S. monarch.

More than 540 people have been killed and over 10,000 arrested, according to the Human Rights Activist News Agency, which is tracking demonstrations in 186 cities across Iran’s 31 provinces.

Oil prices have risen over concern around risks to Iranian supply. Brent traded near $63 a barrel on Monday after jumping almost 6% over Thursday and Friday.

Araghchi repeated the government narrative that “rioters and terrorists” had killed police and civilians and destroyed public property using “Daesh-style violence,” referring to the Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

“We have many pieces of evidence which show interference by the U.S. and Israel in this terrorist war,” Araghchi said in an interview with state TV, adding “Israel is directly responsible, and also Americans through their remarks by promoting violence.”

The internet and other communications remain largely cut off, which has made it difficult to track the full scope of the movement. Araghchi said access should be restored “very soon.”

U.S. options

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that Washington is mulling potential options in response to reports of deadly crackdowns in Iran, while adding that Tehran’s leadership has reached out to seek talks.

“We’re looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he returned to the capital from his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. “We’ll make a determination.”

Araghchi said Iran is “ready for negotiations based on mutual respect, national interests, and negotiations which are serious and real.” He didn’t give any further details.

The foreign minister has open channels of communication with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Monday, adding that “messages are exchanged whenever needed.”

There’s still no official government death toll for civilians. Semi-official Tasnim reported a breakdown of security force fatalities on Sunday, saying a total of 121 officers have died, including 30 in Isfahan, while the number for Tehran was listed as unknown.