Iran Stages Pro-Government Rallies as U.S. Weighs Airstrikes and Backchannel Contacts

Overview

• Iranian state media showed large rallies in Tehran and other cities after President Masoud Pezeshkian called a nationwide 'march of resistance' and the government declared three days of mourning.
• Rights monitors report hundreds killed and over 10,000 detained, with HRANA putting deaths near 600 and an internet blackout hampering independent verification, including morgue images showing scores of body bags.
• Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said security forces have 'total control,' asserted Iran is prepared for war as well as talks, and blamed the unrest on U.S. and Israeli interference.
• President Donald Trump said Tehran reached out to 'negotiate' but warned the U.S. may act beforehand, and the White House confirmed airstrikes are among the options under consideration.
• Iranian officials acknowledged messages with Washington via intermediaries, including the Swiss channel and envoy Steve Witkoff, while warning of retaliation against Israel and U.S. regional bases if attacked.