Iran's Protests Escalate Amid Claims of Violence, Foreign Minister Reports

Iran's Protests Escalate, Prompting U.S. Military Intervention Concerns

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has asserted that nationwide protests have turned "violent and bloodied to provide an excuse" for U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene militarily in the country. Araghchi claimed that the level of violence surged over the weekend but reassured that "the situation is now completely under control."

He stated that Trump's warning of military action against Tehran if the protests became violent has motivated "terrorists" to target both protesters and security forces in a bid to invite foreign intervention. "We are prepared for both war and dialogue," he added.

Araghchi noted that Iran possesses video evidence regarding the distribution of weapons to protesters and warned that authorities will soon release confessions from detainees, emphasizing that monitoring these street events is a priority.

Initially sparked by rising living costs, the protests have evolved into a serious challenge for the government that has been in power since 1979. Authorities declared three days of national mourning for the "martyrs" fallen during the protests, including security force members.

Amid repeated threats of military intervention from Trump, the protests in Iran have entered their third week, while a nationwide internet blackout has lasted four days, which has drawn criticism from human rights organizations.