The death toll from mass protests in Iran has risen to 544, according to data compiled by the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), writes ABC NEWS.
"At least 10,681 people have been arrested, according to HRANA. Protests have taken place at 585 locations across the country, in 186 cities, spanning all 31 provinces, according to activists.
The HRANA data relies on the work of activists inside and outside the country.
ABC News cannot independently verify these numbers. The Iranian government has not provided any death tolls during the ongoing protests.
President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that it "looks like" Iran may have crossed the administration`s red line and the U.S. military has "strong options" at its disposal. "We`ll make a determination", he said.
Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran against the use of force to suppress the protests. On Saturday, Trump wrote on social media, “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!"
According to a U.S. official, the president will be briefed Tuesday to review possible U.S. responses to the situation in Iran. Video footage shot by locals and posted to social media appeared to show thousands of people protesting in Tehran`s Punak Square on Saturday night despite reported efforts by government security forces to disperse crowds. Elsewhere, videos showed large crowds gathered in the northeastern city of Mashhad.
The Iranian government has not released detailed statistics on casualties sustained among protesters. The state-aligned Tasnim news agency reported that 109 security personnel had been killed in the protests", - read an article.