Tehran, January 12, 2026 — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered a stern yet measured message on Monday, asserting that the Islamic Republic is fully prepared for potential conflict with the United States but remains open to fair negotiations. His remarks come amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, ongoing domestic protests, and threats of American intervention, underscoring the fragile balance between confrontation and diplomacy in the Middle East.
Speaking at a conference of foreign ambassadors in Tehran, broadcast live on state television, Araghchi emphasized Iran's defensive posture. "The Islamic Republic of Iran is not seeking war but is fully prepared for war," he stated, highlighting the nation's military capabilities and resolve. "We are also ready for negotiations, but these negotiations should be fair, with equal rights and based on mutual respect." The address was seen as a direct response to recent U.S. rhetoric, including President Donald Trump's warnings of possible military action.
Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, January 11, indicated that diplomatic channels were active but cautioned that intervention might precede talks. "Iran called, they want to negotiate," Trump said. "A meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting." While details of the proposed meeting remain unclear, the comments suggest a potential thaw in relations strained by years of sanctions, nuclear disputes, and regional proxy conflicts.
Confirming the openness of communication lines, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated on Monday that indirect channels with Washington persist, facilitated through intermediaries such as Oman and Switzerland. "We have always maintained that dialogue is possible if it respects our sovereignty," Baghaei told reporters in Tehran. This aligns with Iran's longstanding position that any talks must address the lifting of U.S. sanctions imposed since the 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal.
The backdrop to these diplomatic overtures is a wave of nationwide protests in Iran that erupted in late December 2025, initially sparked by economic grievances, water shortages, and allegations of government corruption. However, demonstrators have increasingly called for broader political reforms, including chants against the Supreme Leader and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Araghchi accused foreign elements—implicitly pointing to the U.S., Israel, and exiled opposition groups—of exacerbating the unrest. "They purposefully turned violent and bloody to give an excuse to the US to intervene," he claimed, without providing specific evidence.
The protests have turned deadly, with security forces deploying tear gas, live ammunition, and mass arrests to quell demonstrations in major cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Shiraz. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the death toll surpassed 500 by Sunday evening, January 11, with over 10,000 individuals arrested since the outset. HRANA noted significant challenges in verifying figures due to a nationwide internet blackout imposed by Iranian authorities, which has restricted access to social media, messaging apps, and independent news sources. "Information is scarce, and many reports come from eyewitness accounts smuggled out," a HRANA spokesperson said in a statement.
International human rights organizations have condemned the crackdown, urging the United Nations to investigate allegations of excessive force. Amnesty International reported instances of protesters being shot at close range and arbitrary detentions, while the U.S. State Department labeled the response "brutal repression." In response, Iranian officials maintain that the measures are necessary to restore order and prevent foreign-backed chaos, echoing narratives from previous uprisings in 2019 and 2022.
The internet shutdown, now in its third week, has drawn parallels to similar tactics used during the 2019 protests, which resulted in over 1,500 deaths according to Reuters investigations. Economists warn that prolonged disruptions could exacerbate Iran's already strained economy, with inflation hovering around 40% and youth unemployment exceeding 25%. The blackout has also hampered businesses, education, and healthcare, prompting calls from tech companies and activists for circumvention tools like VPNs.
U.S. involvement adds another layer of complexity. Trump has repeatedly criticized Iran's regional influence, including its support for groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and militias in Iraq and Syria. Recent U.S. military movements in the Persian Gulf, including the deployment of additional carrier strike groups, have fueled speculation of imminent action. Analysts suggest Trump's comments may be aimed at pressuring Tehran into concessions on its nuclear program, which has advanced enriched uranium stockpiles beyond JCPOA limits, according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports.
Araghchi's call for "mutual respect" in negotiations harks back to stalled talks under the Biden administration, which failed to revive the nuclear deal amid mutual distrust. Current U.S. demands likely include curbs on Iran's ballistic missile program and proxy activities, while Tehran seeks sanctions relief and recognition of its regional role. European allies, including France and Germany, have urged de-escalation, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stating on Monday that "dialogue is the only path to avoid catastrophe."
Domestically, the protests show no signs of abating, with women and students at the forefront, defying strict dress codes and chanting for freedom. Social media footage, despite the blackout, depicts burning barricades and clashes with Basij paramilitaries. Opposition figures in exile, such as Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, have voiced support for the demonstrators, calling for international solidarity.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely. Russia and China, key allies of Iran, have criticized U.S. "interference," while offering diplomatic backing. The UN Security Council is set to discuss the crisis later this week, though veto powers may prevent decisive action.
In Tehran, ordinary citizens bear the brunt of the turmoil. "We want change, but not at the cost of foreign invasion," said a shopkeeper in the capital, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal. The coming days could determine whether Araghchi's dual message of defiance and dialogue leads to breakthrough or breakdown.
