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Iran Ready for War or Negotiations as Protests Subside: FM Araqchi
Iran says it is prepared for both war and talks after weekend protests turned violent, blaming Trump’s intervention for escalating tensions.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-12
Iran Ready for War or Negotiations as Protests Subside: FM Araqchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Monday said that Tehran is prepared for both war and negotiations as nationwide unrest in the country begins to stabilize.

In a statement, Araqchi noted that violence had surged over the weekend, with “terrorists” targeting protesters and security forces, but he asserted that the situation is now “completely under control.”

The foreign minister said that what began as peaceful demonstrations had turned violent in recent days. According to Iranian officials, 350 mosques were set on fire during the unrest, but security forces had shown “maximum tolerance” in responding to the violent protests. Araqchi emphasized that the demands of the protesters were legitimate, and the government was attentive to their grievances.

Araqchi accused US President Donald Trump’s intervention of turning peaceful protests bloody, creating a pretext for possible foreign interference. “We are ready for both war and negotiations,” he stated.

The statement comes after Trump claimed that Iran had contacted Washington seeking negotiations, with arrangements reportedly being made for a meeting. At the same time, Trump warned that the United States was considering military options against Iran, which he said could be carried out before any negotiations begin.

The situation in Iran remains tense, with nationwide protests originally sparked by economic grievances and the collapse of the Iranian rial. A continuing internet blackout has complicated independent reporting on casualties and the scale of unrest.
Tagged:

MiddleEastCrisis

IranProtests

USIranTensions

AbbasAraqchi
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