Iran: Amid unrest and pro‑government rallies, Araghchi says ‘situation has come under control’

Iran claims control amid deadly protests

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday that the domestic unrest in the country has “come under total control,” as tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators rallied in Tehran and other cities in support of the Islamic Republic.

Araghchi told foreign diplomats in Tehran that the recent violence, which has left hundreds dead, was fueled by foreign interference. “That’s why the demonstrations turned violent and bloody to give an excuse to the American president to intervene,” he said, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump’s previous threats.

The minister characterised the protests, which erupted anew in early January, as increasingly violent. “Armed elements were observed among the protesters, who shoot not only at our security forces, at the police, but, more importantly, we realize that they also shoot at ordinary people,” Araghchi said. He added that Trump’s remarks had encouraged what he described as elements seeking to “increase the death toll” in an attempt to draw the United States into the unrest.

Despite his pointed criticism of the United States and Israel, Araghchi signalled that Iran remains open to diplomacy. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said a channel to Washington is still available, but any talks must be “based on the acceptance of mutual interests and concerns, not a negotiation that is one-sided, unilateral and based on dictation.”

The foreign minister’s remarks came as tens of thousands of Iranians took to the streets in Tehran’s Enghelab (Revolution) Square, waving national flags and chanting slogans against the United States and Israel. State television described the gatherings as an “Iranian uprising against American-Zionist terrorism,” with participants mourning security personnel killed during the protests. Similar rallies were reported in other cities after a call from President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The demonstrations, which began on December 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial and broader economic grievances, intensified into nationwide unrest challenging the rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Rights groups based abroad have reported that more than 500 people, mostly protesters, have been killed, while over 10,600 people have been detained. With internet and phone lines partially cut, independent verification of casualties remains difficult.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said Iran is seeking to negotiate with Washington following his threats of military strikes over the crackdown. “I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States. Iran wants to negotiate,” Trump said on Sunday, adding that a meeting is being arranged but could be preceded by military action.

Iran has warned that any U.S. intervention would make American forces and Israel “legitimate targets,” according to parliamentary sources. The government has also issued warnings to the public about armed elements among protesters. Police messages advised families to keep youth away from demonstrations, describing participants as cooperating with “terrorist mercenaries” and warning of severe consequences for involvement.

Analysts say the protests have highlighted Iran’s domestic vulnerabilities amid economic pressures and ongoing U.S.-led sanctions, while the government’s response demonstrates both the regime’s determination to retain control and its sensitivity to foreign intervention.