Tehran, Iran Iran’s government has declared it is ready for “any move” by U.S. President Donald Trump, even as nationwide protests originally sparked by economic hardship have intensified and drawn global attention.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told diplomats and journalists in Tehran that the Islamic Republic is not seeking conflict but is “ready for war” if foreign powers intervene while insisting that Tehran is also open to talks under fair and respectful conditions.
“If Washington wants to test the military option it has tested before, we are ready,” Araghchi said, pushing back against U.S. rhetoric and accusing external forces of trying to exploit unrest.
Unrest Continues Across Iran
The protests, now in their third week, began in late December in response to Iran’s deteriorating economy — including rising prices, inflation, and the plunge of the Iranian rial. What started as economic demonstrations has broadened into widespread anti-government dissent in major cities such as Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan.
Rights groups report hundreds of protesters killed and thousands detained, though precise figures are difficult to confirm due to government-imposed restrictions on information and an ongoing internet blackout affecting most of the country.
Trump’s Response and International Pressure
President Trump has repeatedly taken to social media and the U.S. press corps to express support for demonstrators and raise the prospect of U.S. action if Iranian authorities continue a violent crackdown. In a post on his platform, he said the U.S. “stands ready to help” the Iranian people as tensions rise.
In a separate move, Trump announced a new 25% tariff on countries that do business with Iran, aiming to tighten economic pressure on Tehran.
While Trump described diplomacy as his “first option,” aides have acknowledged that military plans are being reviewed as part of U.S. contingency planning.
Tehran’s Hardline Reaction
Iranian leadership has portrayed the unrest as being fueled by foreign elements and has framed U.S. criticism as interference in domestic affairs. Pro-government rallies have been staged across the country to counter dissent, and Tehran declared three days of national mourning for security forces killed in clashes.
Hardline figures, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, have warned that attacks on Iran would prompt retaliation against U.S. and Israeli forces.
Meanwhile, President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused both the U.S. and Israel of exacerbating unrest and urged unity against “rioters and terrorists.”
Calls for Dialogue Amid Violence
Despite fiery rhetoric, some Iranian officials have suggested that negotiations remain possible. Araghchi emphasized that talks should be “fair, with equal rights and based on mutual respect,” signaling that diplomatic channels have not fully closed.
However, with mounting civilian casualties, a communications blackout, and global condemnation of the crackdown, prospects for de-escalation remain uncertain.
