Mike Baker

But even those figures come with an asterisk.

The blackout makes independent verification nearly impossible, and human rights groups warn that the true number of casualties is almost certainly higher than what has been publicly acknowledged.

Some estimates have the number at approximately 500 dead, while others are putting the casualties in the thousands.

What makes this moment especially significant is that President Trump publicly set a red line.

He warned that the U.S.

would not stand by if the Iranian regime carried out mass violence against its own citizens.

Well, that warning was not subtle, and over the last few days, it does appear that the red line has been crossed.

As we reported earlier today, President Trump is now weighing his options, including potential military strikes.

Officials describe it as contingency planning.

That's the language that Washington always uses.

Whether Trump chooses to act is ultimately his decision, but the conditions he warned about

well, are now in place.

During a press gaggle yesterday, the president told reporters that Iran had reached out about negotiations.

Oh, look at that.

That claim was echoed today by Iran's foreign minister, who said the country was, quote, ready for negotiations and that communication channels between Tehran and Washington remain open.

Now, for what it's worth, the Iranian regime is essentially buying time by suggesting negotiations, time to crush the protests while publicly appearing to be looking for a peaceful resolution.

It's difficult to understand what exactly there is to negotiate while security forces of the Iranian regime gun down civilians in the streets and shut off the internet to hide the evidence.

Iran isn't at war with the US, it's at war with its own people.

Short of a surrender or an orderly exit from power,

There doesn't seem to be any credible negotiated diplomatic off-ramp.