Iran's appointment as vice-chair of UN Commission for Social Development faces sharp criticism from human rights advocates and Iranian activists calling it a 'mockery'.

The Swiss Foreign Ministry says Iran and the United States will hold a second round of talks over Tehran’s nuclear program this week.

Iranian students, doctors, lawyers, athletes and more have been caught up in a dragnet arresting people believed to be involved in anti-government protests.

The slow rise in the number of dead from the demonstrations adds to the overall tensions facing Iran both inside the country and abroad as it tries to negotiate with the United States over its nuclear program.

At least 19 Iranian Christians reportedly killed during protests against Iran's regime, including victims Nader Mohammadi and Zahra Arjomandi according to reports.

Iranian authorities have presented the families of jailed protesters "an inhumane dilemma," offering reprieve in exchange for public acquiescence.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says at least 7,005 people were killed in the protest, including 214 government forces, as reported by AP. Get all the US Iran tension LIVE updates here on Mint.

By Steve Holland and Trevor Hunnicutt FORT BRAGG, North Carolina, Feb 13 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump told U.S. troops on Friday that Iran has been “difficult” in nuclear negotiations and suggested that instilling fear in Tehran may be necessary to resolve the standoff peacefully.