Tehran: Iran's foreign minister has issued a stern warning to US President Donald Trump, urging him not to replicate past military actions against Iran, while asserting Tehran's readiness for diplomatic engagement. This caution was given during an interview with an American news outlet.
According to Anadolu Agency, Abbas Araghchi highlighted the consequences of the US military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities during the 12-day Iran-Israel war in June, emphasizing the futility of such actions. "My message is, don't repeat the mistake you made in June. You know, if you try a failed experience, you will get the same result," Araghchi remarked to Fox News. He stressed that while facilities can be destroyed, the underlying technology and determination cannot be easily dismantled.
Araghchi further noted Iran's willingness for dialogue, despite a history of unfavorable experiences with the US. "Iran proved to be ready for negotiation, ready for diplomacy," he stated, advocating for diplomacy as a better alternative to war. He pointed out, "We have proof that in the past 20 years, in 2025, in 2025, every time, but it was the US that always escape from diplomacy, who cut the diplomacy after the war."
Addressing the recent unrest in Iran, the foreign minister claimed that the protests were hijacked by violent elements, purportedly fueled by an Israeli plot. He stated, "Terrorist elements led from outside entered this protests, and started to shoot police forces, police officers and security forces . For three days, we had fighting against terrorists, not with the protesters."
In response to escalating tensions, US President Donald Trump indicated that Washington would take 'very strong action' if Iran proceeded with executing protesters, following accusations from Iranian officials that the US and Israel were backing 'riots' and 'terrorism.'
As tensions remain high, Iranian authorities have refrained from releasing official casualty figures. However, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), based in the US, estimates at least 2,500 deaths and over 18,000 detentions related to the protests, figures which have not been independently verified.