Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Monday that the situation in the country is now “under total control” following a surge in violence linked to ongoing anti-government protests over the weekend. Speaking to foreign ambassadors in Tehran, Araqchi said Iran is “ready for war but also for dialogue,” according to an English translation of his remarks.
Araqchi accused what he described as “terrorist elements” of targeting both protesters and security forces to provoke foreign intervention, adding that recent warnings from US President Donald Trump had emboldened such actions.
His comments came after Trump said he was seriously considering military options against Iran amid mounting unrest. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the US military was reviewing “very strong options” and claimed that Iran’s leadership had reached out to negotiate following his threats of intervention. However, Trump cautioned that action could still be taken before any meeting occurs.
Separately, Iran’s embassy in Islamabad said pro-government rallies were held in multiple Iranian cities to condemn the unrest and show support for the state.
China also weighed in on Monday, urging stability in Iran and opposing the use or threat of force. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson reiterated Beijing’s stance against interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.
Meanwhile, Trump is expected to meet senior advisers to discuss Iran policy, with reports suggesting options under consideration include military strikes, cyber operations, expanded sanctions, and support for anti-government groups.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned the US against any “miscalculation,” saying that any attack on Iran would make US bases and Israel legitimate targets.
The Iranian government has declared three days of national mourning for those killed during the unrest and has called for nationwide “national resistance marches.” President Masoud Pezeshkian urged citizens to participate in rallies denouncing what authorities have termed “urban terrorism.”
Despite an internet blackout lasting more than 72 hours, protests have continued to grow. A US-based rights group, HRANA, reported that more than 500 people have been killed so far, including protesters and security personnel, with over 10,600 arrests made in the past two weeks. Iranian authorities have not released an official death toll.