Officials from the United States and Iran confronted each other on Thursday at the U.N. Security Council amid weeks of escalating tensions.

During the meeting, U.S. envoy Mike Waltz reaffirmed Washington’s threats against Tehran, despite President Donald Trump signalling a potential easing of hostilities between the two rivals. The United States joined Iranian dissidents in condemning the government’s crackdown on nationwide protests, which activists say has resulted in at least 2,677 deaths.

"Colleagues, let me be clear: President Trump is a man of action, not one for endless discussions like we often witness at the United Nations," Waltz said, addressing the council. "He has made it evident that all options remain available to halt the slaughter. And no one should be more aware of this than the leaders of the Iranian regime."

Waltz’s remarks came as the possibility of U.S. retaliation over the protest-related deaths hung over the region, even as Trump suggested the violence may be subsiding.

By Thursday, demonstrations against Iran’s theocratic government appeared increasingly suppressed, while state-imposed internet and communications blackouts remained in place.