Source Mint
TEHRAN / WASHINGTON — In a day of sharply escalating rhetoric, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared on Monday that while the Islamic Republic is “ready to negotiate,” it is also “fully prepared for war.” The statement follows a blunt warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed Tehran is seeking a meeting but cautioned that the U.S. may take military action before any sit-down occurs.
The standoff comes as Iran enters its third week of nationwide anti-government unrest, which began over a collapsing economy and has morphed into a direct challenge to clerical rule. Human rights groups estimate the death toll has surpassed 530, as security forces continue a bloody crackdown under the cover of a near-total internet blackout.
Dueling Ultimatums
Speaking to foreign ambassadors in Tehran, Araghchi emphasized that Iran does not seek conflict but will not be intimidated by Washington’s “maximalist demands.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is not seeking war, but it is fully prepared for war—even more prepared than the previous conflict,” Araghchi said, likely referencing the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last June. “We are also ready for negotiations, but they must be fair, on equal footing, and based on mutual respect.”
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, President Trump confirmed that a meeting with Iranian leadership is “being set up” but suggested he might not wait for it to happen.
“Iran called; they want to negotiate. I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” Trump said. However, he added a critical caveat: “We may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting.”
U.S. Weighing “Strong Options”
The White House is reportedly reviewing a range of “very strong options” to be presented to the President on Tuesday. According to administration sources, these include:
Targeted Military Strikes: Aimed at IRGC facilities or command centers involved in the crackdown.
Cyber Operations: Offensive strikes to disable Iranian military communications.
Economic Sanctions: Further tightening the noose on an already crippled economy where the rial has plummeted to historic lows.
Technical Intervention: Potential collaboration with private entities like Starlink to restore internet access for Iranian citizens.
Domestic Turmoil
The unrest in Iran, which started in late December 2024, has spread to all 31 provinces. What began as a protest against the rial’s collapse—now trading at roughly 1.4 million to the dollar—has evolved into a movement demanding the ouster of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian officials have blamed the violence on “terrorists” and foreign agents, specifically accusing the U.S. and Israel of stoking the fire. Araghchi claimed on Monday that the situation is now under “total control,” despite continued reports of large-scale protests in major cities.
Current Status of US-Iran Relations
Feature Current Status
Communication Open channels remain; meeting reportedly “being set up.”
Military Posture U.S. “locked and loaded”; Iran warns of retaliation against regional bases.
Economic Climate Iranian rial at record lows; U.S. considering “maximalist” sanctions.
Human Rights Over 500 dead; U.S. threatens intervention over use of lethal force.
