Iran and US Edge Towards Renewed Conflict Amid Protests

Intensifying Confrontations Between Washington and Tehran

Washington and Tehran are escalating their rhetoric amid ongoing protests in Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that his government is prepared for war, while US President Donald Trump threatened military action following the suppression of demonstrations. The Iranian intelligence agency reported that weapons and explosives were seized from "militants" who had hidden them in various homes across the country.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi claimed that Iranian authorities have recordings of voices from abroad ordering "terrorist" agents to open fire on police and demonstrators. Iranian officials have previously accused the US and Israel of deploying “foreign agents” within the country to incite violence. "The internet was cut off only after we faced terrorist operations and realized that orders were coming from outside the country," Araghchi elaborated.

He mentioned that if Washington wishes to test military options, Iran is prepared. Additionally, he emphasized that he hopes the US will choose "dialogue," warning against those attempting to draw Washington into a war to serve Israeli interests.

Diplomatic and Military Options Explored by Trump Administration

The office of US Vice President JD Vance announced that senior officials in the Trump administration are preparing diplomatic and military options, including a diplomatic approach to the protests. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called for increased pressure on the Iranian leadership, stating that the "biggest prize" of Trump’s presidency would be the "dissolution of the Iranian state led by the ayatollahs."

Trump has stated that he is considering "strong options" against Iran amid the crackdown on protests that began due to a sharp currency collapse and escalated into anti-government demonstrations resulting in numerous casualties.

Security Alerts and Restrictions in Iran

In addition to military action threats, Trump announced a 25% tariff on countries that trade with Iran in response to current actions. The Chinese embassy in Washington condemned these sanctions, announcing that Beijing would take "all necessary measures" to protect its interests.

As protests continue, Washington has urged American citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately. Iranian authorities have restricted access to mobile phone networks and the internet, while airlines have suspended flights to and from Iran.

Internet has been disrupted for over 100 hours, and mobile users managed to make international calls briefly, despite the restrictions. Security measures have intensified in Tehran, where anti-sabotage police have been deployed to control the situation, and several banks and government offices have been set ablaze amid the unrest.