Iran says ready for war and dialogue as Trump weighs response to crackdown
TEHRAN/WASHINGTON: Iran says ready for war and dialogue as Trump weighs response to crackdown, with tensions escalating after a weekend of deadly violence linked to mass protests across the country.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Monday that the situation inside Iran was “under total control” following a spike in unrest, while warning that Tehran is prepared for both confrontation and negotiations. Speaking to foreign ambassadors in Tehran, Araqchi said Iran was ready for war but remained open to dialogue, according to an English translation of his remarks.
Araqchi accused foreign powers of exploiting the unrest, claiming that warnings issued by US President Donald Trump had encouraged what he described as “terrorists” to target protesters and security forces in an effort to invite foreign intervention.
His remarks came after President Trump said he was considering a range of options against Iran, including possible military action, amid mounting anti-government protests. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump suggested Iran may have crossed his previously stated red line regarding the killing of protesters.
“We’re looking at it very seriously,” Trump said, adding that the US military was studying “very strong options” and that a determination would be made soon. He also claimed Iran’s leadership had reached out seeking negotiations following his warnings of military action.
“The leaders of Iran called,” Trump said, adding that discussions were underway to arrange a meeting, though he warned that action could be taken before any talks take place.
Trump is scheduled to meet senior advisers on Tuesday to discuss Iran-related options, a US official told Reuters. The Wall Street Journal reported that potential measures under consideration include military strikes, cyber operations, expanded sanctions, and providing online support to anti-government groups.
Meanwhile, Iran issued a sharp warning against any foreign attack. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf cautioned Washington against what he called a “miscalculation,” saying that in the event of an attack, Israel, US military bases, and American ships would be considered legitimate targets. Qalibaf, a former commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, said Tehran would respond decisively to any aggression.
As tensions rise, the Iranian government declared three days of national mourning for those it described as “martyrs,” including members of the security forces killed during two weeks of unrest. State television described the crackdown as a national resistance battle against what it termed American and Zionist interference.
President Masoud Pezeshkian urged citizens to participate in nationwide “resistance marches” on Monday to denounce violence, which the government blamed on what it called urban terrorist groups. Pro-government rallies were held in several cities to condemn the unrest and express support for the Islamic Republic.
Despite an internet blackout lasting more than 72 hours, protests have continued to spread, according to internet monitoring group NetBlocks. Activists warned that restricted connectivity was limiting the flow of information and that the true scale of casualties could be significantly higher.
A US-based human rights group, HRANA, said more than 500 people have been killed since protests erupted late last month. According to its latest figures, the group verified the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 security personnel, with more than 10,600 people arrested during the unrest.
Meanwhile, China voiced opposition to foreign interference in Iran, urging stability in the oil-rich Middle Eastern nation. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing opposed the use or threat of force in international relations and reiterated support for the sovereignty and security of all countries.
“We have always opposed interference in other countries’ internal affairs,” Mao said during a regular press briefing, adding that China hoped Iran’s government and people would overcome current challenges and maintain stability.
The crisis has placed Iran-US relations at a critical juncture, with the prospect of dialogue overshadowed by the growing risk of military escalation.
