Tehran: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused unnamed “foreign-backed elements” of deliberately turning nationwide protests violent in order to provide the United States with a pretext for military intervention.
Speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran on Monday, Araghchi said demonstrations that have gripped the country for three weeks escalated into “bloody” violence over the weekend but insisted the situation is now “under total control.” He linked the surge in violence to warnings by US President Donald Trump, who has threatened military action should unrest in Iran become violent.
“Trump’s statements encouraged terrorists to attack both protesters and security forces to create conditions for foreign intervention,” Araghchi said, adding that Iran is “ready for war but also for dialogue.”
The foreign minister claimed authorities possess video evidence showing weapons being distributed among protesters and said confessions from detained individuals would soon be made public. He alleged the demonstrations were “stoked and fuelled by foreign elements,” warning that security forces would “hunt down” those responsible.
Iran has been rocked by widespread protests amid a near-total internet blackout, with tensions heightened by repeated threats of US military action. The government has declared three days of national mourning for those it describes as “martyrs” killed during the unrest, including members of the security forces.
According to the semiofficial Tasnim news agency, at least 109 security personnel have been killed since the protests began. Authorities have not released figures for civilian casualties. However, opposition activists based outside Iran say the death toll is significantly higher and includes dozens of demonstrators.
The situation remains tense as international concern grows over escalating violence and the risk of external military involvement.
