Tehran: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that the country is prepared for both war and negotiations, as tensions continue to rise in the region.
In a statement, the Iranian foreign minister said that violence had intensified over the weekend, during which terrorists targeted both protesters and security forces. However, he claimed that the situation is now fully under control.
Araghchi said that peaceful protests in Iran had turned violent over the past few days. He alleged that around 350 mosques were set on fire during protests over a two-week period, but added that Iranian security forces exercised maximum restraint while handling the unrest.
He acknowledged that some of the protesters’ demands were legitimate and said the government was listening to public concerns.
The foreign minister further claimed that protests became bloodier after former US President Donald Trump spoke about foreign intervention, alleging that the violence was aimed at creating justification for outside interference.
“We are ready for both war and negotiations,” Araghchi said.
It may be noted that Donald Trump recently claimed that Iran had reached out for talks and that arrangements were being made. However, he also warned that the United States was considering military options against Iran, which could be exercised even before negotiations take place.