“Iran protesters defy brutal crackdown amid ongoing internet blackout,” CNN, 1-11-26.

Blackmail of a sort.  “Iran threatens retaliation against Israel, US bases if Washington intervenes,” I24, 1-11-26.

“Death toll in crackdown on protests in Iran spikes to at least 538, activists say,” Politico, 1-11-26.

“As Death Toll Surges in Iran, Leaders Take Tough Line Against Protesters,” NYT, 1-11-26.

Desperate it seems.  “Trump says Iran proposed nuclear deal talks, as U.S. weighs military action,” Axios, 1-11-26.