, Feb. 12 -- Activists say the death toll from Iran's nationwide crackdown on protests last month has reached at least 7,002, with many more feared dead.

The gradual increase in reported fatalities adds to mounting tensions inside Iran and abroad as the country engages in stalled negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program. A second round of talks remains uncertain, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly pressed U.S. President Donald Trump to take a harder line on Tehran.

"There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated. If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference," Trump wrote on h...