In this frame grab from footage circulating on social media shows protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire as they take to the streets despite an intensifying crackdown as the Islamic Republic remains cut off from the rest of the world, in Tehran, Iran. (Photo: AP)Iran Protests 2026 Live Updates: Iran has entered a third week of nationwide anti-government protests, with reports of violence continuing in several cities despite an intensifying security crackdown. Eyewitnesses and footage circulating on social media show demonstrators returning to the streets even as authorities maintain a near-total shutdown of internet and phone services, according to the Associated Press. The unrest has spread across all 31 provinces and marks the biggest wave of protests since 2022. Iran has not issued an official death toll.Deaths and arrests: At least 538 people have been killed since the protests began, activists said on Sunday. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said more than 10,600 people have been arrested over the past two weeks. Of those killed, 490 were protesters and 48 were members of the security forces, the group said. Reuters said the figures could not be independently verified.Story continues below this adUS response and warnings from Iran: US President Donald Trump is considering a range of responses, two US officials told CNN, including military options, cyber operations, tougher sanctions and measures to help protesters stay online. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump is due to be briefed by senior officials on Tuesday. Iran has warned against any US intervention. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said an attack would make US bases, ships and Israel “legitimate targets”, according to Reuters.Live UpdatesJan 12, 2026 08:02 AM ISTIran Live Updates: Trump says administration is looking at different options to respond to Iran protestsPresident Donald Trump said Sunday that his administration is monitoring the deadly protests in Iran and is continuing to weigh potential military options.“There seem to be some people killed that aren’t supposed to be killed. These are violent, if you call them leaders. I don’t know if their leaders are just they rule through violence, but we’re looking at it very seriously,” Trump told reporters.“The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make it determination.”Jan 12, 2026 07:57 AM ISTIran Live Updates: Donald Trump says he will talk to Elon Musk about restoring internet in IranUS President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he plans to speak with billionaire Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran, where authorities have shut down services amid ongoing anti-government protests.Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump was asked whether he would engage with Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, which has previously been used in Iran. “He’s very good at that kind of thing. He’s got a very good company,” Trump said, according to Reuters.Jan 12, 2026 07:57 AM ISTIran Live Updates: Donald Trump says 'Iran called to negotiate'US President Donald Trump revealed that Iran's leaders reached out to negotiate, saying "They called yesterday, Iran called to negotiate" and added that they seem "tired of being beat up by the United States". This comes as Iran faces intense protests, with over 500 killed, and the US considering intervention options, including military strikes and sanctions.-CNNStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd