Iran's parliament speaker on Monday described the response to a protest wave that has gripped the Islamic republic as a "war against terrorists", as he addressed a vast pro-government rally in Tehran.

The EU said Monday conditions were not yet ripe to talk to Russia's Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine, after the leaders of France and Italy said it was time Europe re-engaged.

Cuba's leader said Monday there were "no conversations" with the United States, after President Donald Trump urged the communist-ruled island to "make a deal" or pay the price.

Iran is fully prepared for conflict but also ready for negotiations, its foreign minister said on Monday, as U.S. President Donald Trump said the Iranian leadership was seeking talks after he threatened to intervene militarily over a crackdown on protests.

A channel of communication is open between Iran and U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East despite the lack of diplomatic relations, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said Monday.

At least 192 people have been killed in two weeks of protests against the government and economic strain in Iran, a rights group said on Sunday, in a sharp rise from an earlier death toll of 51.

Iranians took to the streets in new protests against the clerical authorities overnight despite an internet shutdown, as rights groups warned on Sunday that authorities were committing a "massacre" to quell the demonstrations.

Major Iranian cities were gripped overnight by new mass rallies denouncing the Islamic republic, as the son of the ousted shah urged protesters on Saturday to plan to seize city centers.

Venezuela was set to hold talks on Saturday with U.S. envoys in Caracas on restoring diplomatic ties, days after U.S. forces deposed Nicolas Maduro as its president.

South Africa on Saturday began naval drills with Russia, Iran and China, describing the manoeuvres off its coast as not merely a show of force but a vital response to rising maritime tensions.