Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Tehran is fully prepared for war should the United States decide to pursue military action, following remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting force could be used in response to Iran’s handling of nationwide protests.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera Arabic on Monday, Araghchi said that while communication channels between Tehran and Washington remain open, Iran is ready for any scenario. He claimed the country now possesses significantly expanded military capabilities compared to last year’s brief 12-day conflict.
Protests Escalate as Trump Signals ‘Strong Options’
Trump’s comments came amid growing unrest across Iran, where demonstrations initially driven by economic hardship have evolved into broader demands for political change. On Sunday, the US president said his administration was considering “strong options” against Iran’s leadership, including possible military action.
Trump also confirmed that talks with Tehran over its nuclear programme were being planned, but warned that developments on the ground could force Washington to act sooner.
“If Washington wants to test the military option, it has done so before — and we are ready,” Araghchi said, adding that Iran would still prefer dialogue if the US chose what he called a “wise path.”
Iran Accuses External Actors of Fueling Unrest
During the interview, Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s claim that “terrorist elements” had infiltrated protest crowds, targeting both civilians and security forces. Iranian officials have accused the United States and Israel of encouraging instability over the past two weeks.
State media reported that more than 100 members of Iran’s security forces have been killed. Opposition groups, however, claim the death toll is far higher and includes hundreds of protesters. These figures have not been independently verified.
Internet Blackout Hampers Information Flow
The situation has been further obscured by a near-total internet blackout imposed last Thursday. Araghchi said services would be gradually restored in coordination with security agencies. Internet monitor NetBlocks reported on Monday that Iran had been offline for approximately 96 hours.
Nuclear Talks Continue Behind the Scenes
Araghchi also confirmed ongoing communication with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, saying discussions had continued both before and after the protests began. He noted that proposals from Washington were under review in Tehran but criticized what he described as threats accompanying diplomatic initiatives.
“We are prepared to return to nuclear negotiations, provided they are free of pressure or ultimatums,” he said, questioning whether Washington was genuinely willing to engage in fair talks.
Escalating Rhetoric Raises Risk of Conflict
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned on Sunday that US forces and Israel would become “legitimate targets” if Washington intervened militarily, cautioning against what he described as a potential strategic miscalculation.
Meanwhile, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt accused Tehran of sending contradictory messages privately compared to its public rhetoric.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the White House is weighing Iran’s offer to continue military-level talks even as Trump considers potential strikes.
Background of Rising Tensions
The United States last year joined Israel in bombing Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day conflict, a confrontation that continues to shape the current standoff as tensions once again edge toward open conflict.