Iran ‘prepared’ for war but open to US talks as hundreds reported killed in protests

Iran says it is ready to hold discussions with the US after President Donald Trump said Tehran had called his administration to negotiate. Follow for live updates

• Iran says it is “prepared for war” but ready to negotiate with the US based on “mutual respect and interests,” after US President Donald Trump said Tehran called to negotiate as his administration weighs possible military intervention during widespread anti-government protests. • More than 500 protesters have been killed and almost 10,700 people have been arrested, according to a US-based rights group, as the demonstrations now enter a third week. A communications blackout imposed by Iranian authorities has now lasted four days. • Protests are being seen beyond Iran’s borders. In Los Angeles, a person was detained after driving a truck through a crowd of anti-Iranian government protesters. In Tehran, the British ambassador was summoned after a protester in London tore down the Iranian embassy’s flag. As the Trump administration considers potential military intervention in Iran, most Democrats interviewed by CNN today have called for the issue to be brought before Congress before any action is taken. When asked this morning by CNN’s Kate Bolduan if he would want the US to possibly get involved as the president outlined, Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman said, “Sure, absolutely.” New York Rep. Pat Ryan expressed concern over Fetterman’s statement, warning against “dismissively” talking about striking the country “with no consultation with the American people, no consultation with the Congress, no discussion of cost in blood and treasure.”