Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has accused unnamed actors of deliberately turning nationwide protests violent in order to create a pretext for possible military intervention by United States President Donald Trump.
Speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran on Monday, Araghchi said clashes escalated over the weekend but insisted that authorities have since brought the situation under control. He claimed Trump’s warning that the US could take military action if unrest turned violent encouraged “terrorist elements” to attack both protesters and security personnel to justify foreign interference.
“We are prepared for war, but we are also open to dialogue,” Araghchi said.
The foreign minister further alleged that Iranian authorities possess video evidence showing weapons being handed out to protesters and stated that confessions from detained suspects would soon be made public. He maintained that the unrest was instigated and sustained by foreign forces, adding that security agencies were working to track down those responsible.
The protests, now in their third week, have continued despite a nationwide internet shutdown and repeated warnings from Trump about potential military action. The Iranian government has declared three days of national mourning for those killed in the unrest, including members of the security forces.
According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, at least 109 security personnel have died since the protests began. Authorities have not released figures on civilian deaths, though opposition groups outside Iran claim the toll is higher and includes dozens of protesters. These claims could not be independently verified.
What began as demonstrations over rising living costs has since evolved into widespread protests, posing one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian media reported that only limited unrest was recorded in parts of Tehran and a few other cities on Sunday night, with security forces dispersing small gatherings.
State media on Monday aired footage of pro-government rallies in several cities, as officials sought to project a return to normalcy.
Iran’s internet blackout has now entered its fourth day, drawing strong criticism from human rights organisations. NetBlocks confirmed that nationwide connectivity remains largely unavailable, describing the situation as a “national internet blackout,” though some users have reportedly found ways around the restrictions.
Amnesty International condemned the shutdown, accusing authorities of using it to conceal abuses during what it described as an increasingly deadly crackdown on protesters.
Araghchi said internet access would soon be restored, including at embassies and government institutions, as coordination with security agencies continues.
Analysts say the move is aimed at demonstrating control over the situation. Georgetown University’s Iran analyst Mehran Kamrava noted that the government is adopting a multi-layered strategy to calm the unrest while maintaining its authority.
Meanwhile, Trump said on Sunday that Washington is considering “very strong options” in response to the situation, including military measures. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he said discussions were underway following what he described as signals from Iran’s leadership expressing willingness to negotiate.
Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned the US against any attack, saying it would trigger retaliation against American bases and interests in the region, including Israel.
The protests represent one of the most serious tests of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s rule in recent years, coming shortly after last year’s 12-day conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Iranian state television has aired images of damaged buildings and funerals for fallen security personnel as tensions remain high.
