Iran’s foreign minister on Monday accused the United States of arming protesters and driving unrest toward violence, as US President Donald Trump said Washington was weighing “very strong” options over Iran.
The comments came as protests that began about two weeks ago in Tehran over worsening economic conditions and rising prices spread to other cities and turned into clashes with security forces. Rights reports said more than 500 people had been killed.
“This is blatant interference in Iran’s internal affairs,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said of Trump’s remarks, which he said helped push events toward violence.
Tehran’s accusations
In a televised address to diplomats in Tehran, Araghchi said the protests that erupted on Dec. 28 started calmly and were legitimate objections to economic decline and price hikes before shifting into what he described as “a terrorist war” beginning on Jan. 1.
Araghchi said Iranian authorities initially responded through dialogue, listening to demands and carrying out reforms, but that the entry of “armed terrorist groups” among protesters escalated the violence. He accused elements linked to Israel’s Mossad foreign intelligence service of involvement.
Iran’s top diplomat said his country has documents and photos showing weapons being distributed to protesters, as well as recordings of voice messages ordering armed elements to open fire on civilians and security forces. He said most of those killed were shot from behind.
Araghchi said security forces have full control across Iran and that intelligence monitoring is tight. He added that internet access, which authorities cut “for security-control reasons,” would soon return to embassies and ministries.
He said Iran is “ready for war and also for dialogue,” adding that communication channels with Washington remain open through intermediaries, including the Swiss channel and a line with the US special envoy.
Trump signals potential action
On Sunday evening, US President Trump said that Iran contacted the US a day earlier and proposed negotiations toward a nuclear deal, but he also said, “We may have to act before a meeting.”
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he receives hourly updates on developments in Iran and indicated that “it looks like” Iran had crossed his red line of protesters being killed.
“We’re looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination,” Trump said, referring to deaths in the protests.
Trump raised the possibility of intervention, warning Iranian leaders against using force against protesters and saying the US “stands ready to help.” He also said he plans to speak with businessperson Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran, in an apparent reference to Starlink, the satellite service provided by Musk’s SpaceX.
Briefing on response options
The Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing unnamed US officials, that Trump will receive a briefing on Tuesday on response options to developments in Iran. The options could include boosting digital support for opposition figures, launching cyberattacks, imposing additional sanctions, and possibly carrying out military strikes.
The newspaper said the meeting would include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine. It said a final decision is not expected at the meeting amid concerns within the administration that any direct move could trigger wider regional escalation.
The report said some officials worry that any US or Israeli intervention could strengthen Tehran’s narrative that the protests are driven from abroad. It warned that escalation could lead to a direct confrontation between the US and Iran, and possibly Israel, in a region already facing rising tensions.
In June, Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war in which the US took part by launching airstrikes on Iran, which it said aimed to deter Tehran from developing its nuclear program. Iran responded by firing missiles at the American Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar before Trump announced the war had ended with an agreement.
