Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi challenges the US: We are ready for this

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made statements regarding the ongoing protests in Iran and Iran-US relations.

Araghchi stated that Iran is open to negotiations with the US "without threats andStating that they are ready to enter nuclear negotiations,he said, "We do not see the US as being readyfor fair and equalnegotiations.Whentheyare ready,we will consider this matter seriously."

Addressing the protests in Iran that began on December 28, 2025, as a reaction to the cost of living andturned intoanti-governmentdemonstrations,AraghchinotedthatHe stated that trainedterrorist elementshad infiltrated the protesters andtargeted security forces and demonstrators,he noted.

Addressing US President Donald Trump's threats to attack Iran, Araghchi said, "The US's proposals and threats toward our country are inconsistent. If the US wants to try the military option it has triedbefore,option if they want to try it again, we are ready for it.

We have a military readiness that is much greater and more comprehensive than what we had during the last war. We are ready for all options and we hope that Washington will choose a wise option," he said.

Trump's Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, referring to the phone call he had with, Araghchi said, "The communication between us and Witkoff regarding the protests before and aftercontinued and is still continuing," he said. Regarding a meeting with Witkoff,thepossibility of which Araghchi said, "There are someideas being examined on the table."