FM Aragchi: Iran ready for military response to US threats

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has cautioned the United States that Iran is prepared for war if Washington seeks to “test” it, following President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in response to Tehran’s suppression of antigovernment protests.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera Arabic on January 12, Araghchi confirmed that channels of communication with the US remain open amid the unrest but emphasised that his country is “prepared for all options,” asserting that Iran now possesses “large and extensive military preparedness” compared to last year’s 12-day conflict, Caliber.Az reports.

His remarks came after Trump’s January 11 statements, as widespread protests in Iran—initially driven by economic struggles—have escalated into broader demands for systemic change. The US president indicated he was considering “strong options” against Iran in response to its leadership’s crackdown, including the possibility of military intervention.

“If Washington wants to test the military option it has tested before, we are ready for it,” said Araghchi, adding that he hoped the US would choose “the wise option” of dialogue and warning against “those trying to drag Washington into war in order to serve Israel’s interests.”

He also referenced the rising death toll, reiterating prior claims that “terrorist elements” had “infiltrated the crowds of protesters and targeted security forces and demonstrators.” Iran has accused the US and Israel of stoking unrest over the past two weeks.

Araghchi highlighted that discussions with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff “continued before and after the protests and are still ongoing,” adding that ideas shared with Washington are currently under review in Tehran.

At the same time, he noted that Washington’s proposed ideas and threats against Iran were incompatible.

“We are ready to sit at the nuclear negotiating table, provided it is without threats or dictates,” Araghchi said, questioning Washington’s readiness for fair and just negotiations.

By Jeyhun Aghazada