Iran Says Ready for War With US, Open to Talks Amid Unrest

Daniel Hanson

Summary

Iran said it is prepared for war with the U.S. but remains open to diplomacy as protests continue across the country.

Why this matters

Tensions between Iran and the U.S. are escalating amid domestic unrest in Iran, raising concerns of broader regional instability.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday the country is prepared for war with the United States, though it remains open to diplomatic negotiations.

“We do not want war, but we are completely prepared for it—even more prepared than before the previous war,” Araghchi told foreign diplomats in a televised meeting in Tehran, according to CNN. “The reason is clear: the best way to prevent war is to be prepared for war, so that our enemies do not once again fall into miscalculation.”

His remarks come amid widespread protests in Iran and increasing tension with the United States. As of Sunday, 544 people had died in protests across 585 locations in Iran, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The group also reported more than 10,700 people had been arrested. Military.com could not independently confirm the figures.

Iran’s state-affiliated Tasnim news agency reported that at least 109 security personnel had been killed in the unrest, which began in December in Tehran. Protests have centered on concerns over economic conditions and the declining value of the rial, Iran’s national currency.

Asked about Araghchi’s comments, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson told Military.com, “The Department of War stands ready to execute the orders of the Commander-in-Chief at any time and in any place.”

On Sunday, President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, said the U.S. military is considering “strong options” in response to the ongoing violence. A day earlier, Trump said on Truth Social that the U.S. aims to support Iranian protesters. “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before,” he wrote. “The USA stands ready to help!!!”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also voiced support for the demonstrations. “Israel supports their struggle for freedom and strongly condemns the mass massacres of innocent civilians,” he said. “We all hope that the Persian nation will soon be freed from the yoke of tyranny, and when that day comes, Israel and Iran will once again be loyal partners in building a future of prosperity and peace for both peoples.”

Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the protests on Saturday, according to an Israeli official cited by ABC News.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Monday that communication remains open between Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. CNN reported that messages continue to be exchanged when necessary.

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