Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Monday that the situation in the country is “under total control.” This follows a spike in violence linked to mass anti-government protests over the weekend.
Speaking through an English interpreter, Araqchi accused US President Donald Trump of fuelling unrest by issuing warnings of possible military action. He claimed Trump’s remarks encouraged what he described as “terrorists.” These terrorists targeted protesters and security forces in an attempt to draw foreign intervention.
Araqchi’s comments followed Trump’s statement that he is considering potential military action against Iran as protests continue across the country. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump suggested Tehran may be nearing a red line. This red line had been set regarding the killing of protesters.
President Donald Trump said the US is considering “very strong options,” including possible military action, over the deaths of protesters during unrest in Iran.
Nationwide protests over economic hardship have been met with mass arrests and a security crackdown. pic.twitter.com/VzIG0fb3MJ
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 12, 2026“We’re looking at it very seriously,” Trump said. “The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination.”
Trump also claimed that Iran’s leadership had reached out to negotiate after his warnings. “The leaders of Iran called,” he said, adding that a meeting was being arranged. He cautioned, however, that action could come before any talks take place.
A US official told Reuters that Trump is expected to meet senior advisers on Tuesday. They will discuss options for Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported that possible measures include military strikes, covert cyber operations, expanded sanctions, and online support for anti-government groups.
Iranian officials have responded with sharp warnings. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf cautioned Washington against any “miscalculation.” He said that in the event of an attack, Israel and all US bases and ships in the region would become legitimate targets.
Iran’s FM Araghchi says Trump’s warning about possible military action against Tehran could encourage “terrorists” to target protesters and security forces in order to invite foreign intervention.
🔴 LIVE updates: https://t.co/9f8awmF1JN pic.twitter.com/VCgW6dq0P8
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 12, 2026Inside Iran, the government declared three days of national mourning for those it described as “martyrs.” This includes members of the security forces killed during nearly two weeks of unrest, according to state television. Authorities framed the crackdown on what they called riots as a national resistance battle against the United States and Israel.
President Masoud Pezeshkian urged citizens to join a nationwide “national resistance march” on Monday. State media said the rallies would denounce violence blamed on what the government described as urban terrorist groups.
Read: Trump Signals Possible Military Action as Iran Protests Intensify
Despite an internet blackout lasting more than 72 hours, protests have grown in recent days, according to internet monitoring group Netblocks. Activists warned that the shutdown is restricting information flows. They said the true scale of casualties may be far higher.
Meanwhile, a US-based rights organisation, HRANA, said unrest in Iran has killed more than 500 people. According to figures verified by activists inside and outside the country, at least 490 protesters and 48 security personnel have died.
