Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi upped the ante on Monday, saying that the nation is "prepared" for war with the United States but also open to diplomatic negotiations.
Araghchi's remarks come as tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to boil as a result of mass protests in the Middle East. The death toll from mass protests in Iran has risen to 544, according to data compiled by HRANA, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, said as of Sunday that the protests in 585 different Iranian locations had resulted in 544 deaths and upwards of 10,700 arrests. Military.com could not independently confirm the numbers.
Iran's state news agency Tasnim also reported on Sunday that at least 109 security personnel have been killed in protests, which have escalated since they started in December in Tehran as citizens have challenged the government about economic security and a weakening value of its national currency, the rial.
“We do not want war, but we are completely prepared for it—even more prepared than before the previous war,” Araghchi told a group of 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.”
When asked about the foreign minister's remarks, 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.”
The White House referred Military.com to remarks made Sunday by U.S. President Donald Trump aboard Air Force One, in which he said the U.S. military is looking at “strong options” to quell the violence.
"We’ll make a determination," Trump said.
Room For Diplomacy
One day earlier, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the U.S. wants to protect the protestors.
"Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before," he said. "The USA stands ready to help!!!"
Trump's remarks were echoed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said his country was following the mass "demonstrations of freedom" and supports their efforts.
"Israel supports their struggle for freedom and strongly condemns the mass massacres of innocent civilians," Netanyahu 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 spoke about the ongoing protests in Iran on Saturday, according to an Israeli official who spoke with ABC News.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Monday that a communication channel between Araghchi, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff “remains open,” according to CNN, adding that “whenever necessary, messages are exchanged through that channel.”
