Iran president offers to negotiate amid mass protests

President Masoud Pezeshkian said he was willing to negotiate with protesters while accusing foreign powers of stirring demonstrations; Tehran also warned it would retaliate if the United States took military action in defence of the protesters.

Mass protests are continuing across Iran over economic grievances. President Masoud Pezeshkian said he was willing to negotiate with protesters while accusing foreign powers of stirring the demonstrations. Iranian officials also warned that Tehran would retaliate if the United States took military action in defence of the protesters. These comments were reported publicly and were covered in the BBC World Service programme Newshour. Key facts: - President Masoud Pezeshkian said he was willing to negotiate and accused foreign powers of stirring the demonstrations. - Mass protests continue across Iran over economic grievances. - Tehran announced it would retaliate if the United States took military action in defence of the protesters. Summary: President Pezeshkian's offer to negotiate and the government's warning of retaliation form the main official responses while protests continue. Undetermined at this time.