WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran’s leadership had called him seeking “to negotiate” after he repeatedly threatened to intervene militarily if Tehran killed protesters. For two weeks, Iran has been rocked by a protest movement that has swelled in spite of a crackdown rights groups warn has become a “massacre.” Initially sparked by anger over the rising cost of living, the demonstrations have evolved into a serious challenge of the theocratic system in place since the 1979 revolution.

Iranian authorities appear to be unusually restrained in reacting to mass protests, a possible result of Donald Trump's threat to intervene.

The largest demonstrations in years have left at least 48 protesters dead, human rights groups say.