Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Tehran is fully prepared if the United States chooses a path toward war or attempts to test Iran’s military capabilities. In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic on January 12, he stated that while the door to dialogue with Washington remains open, Iran is ready for any scenario. Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s current military preparedness is broader and stronger than during the tensions of June last year involving Israel and the United States.

He cautioned that those trying to draw Washington into conflict to protect Israel’s interests should reconsider. Addressing the ongoing anti-government protests, Araghchi claimed that armed groups and terrorists have infiltrated the demonstrations and attacked both protesters and security forces. The protests began on December 28 when Tehran’s traders called a strike over inflation and rising living costs, later spreading across all 31 provinces.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for Iranian protesters and warned of possible U.S. military action if Tehran suppresses the movement. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has pledged economic reforms and promised to listen to public concerns.