Iran’s government tightened its stance on Monday, launching a nationwide wave of arrests following recent protests. At the same time, Tehran indicated that it remains open to diplomatic engagement with the United States over its nuclear program, according to AFP. Among those detained was Javad Emam, spokesperson for the main reformist coalition, as authorities moved against several political figures and activists.

The arrests coincided with ongoing discussions between Iranian and U.S. officials in Oman, which both sides described as positive. Days earlier, a court extended the prison term of Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist Narges Mohammadi, and on Monday, authorities detained Hossein Karubi, son of opposition leader Mehdi Karubi. The government has labeled the protests as “riots,” alleging foreign provocation by Israel and the United States.

Observers view the current unrest as one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Tehran appears to be pursuing a dual strategy—cracking down on dissent while exploring potential diplomatic openings with Washington.