BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi said on Tuesday that Iranian security forces have brought the country under control and have begun dialogue with protesters. Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghae said that Iran has channels of dialogue with the United States. Iran is willing to engage in dialogue, but will not accept being lectured.
Iranian Foreign Minister: The situation in the country is under control
According to reports, on the 12th local time, Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi stated that Iranian security forces had brought the national situation under control and claimed that Israel and the United States were involved in the recent events in Iran.
Araghchi said that Iran possesses a wealth of material that proves the United States and Israel were involved in "terrorist activities" within Iran.
He also stated that US President Trump's remarks regarding the situation in Iran constituted interference in Iran's internal affairs. The protests in Iran "became violent and bloody, providing Trump with an excuse to interfere."
Araghchi stated that "the situation is now completely under control." The Iranian government has begun dialogue with relevant parties and has taken a series of actions and measures.
As previously reported, Trump said on the 11th that the United States was considering a range of measures to deal with the situation in Iran, including "some very tough options" such as military action. Trump had threatened on the 8th regarding the unrest in Iran, claiming that if there were further deaths, the United States would launch a "severe strike" against Iran.
Iran's side: There are dialogue channels with the US.
According to AFP, Araghchi said on the 12th that Iran is prepared to negotiate with the United States on the basis of "mutual respect," but is also prepared for war.
Araqchi stated, "Iran does not seek war, but is fully prepared for war."
He said, "We are also prepared to negotiate, but these negotiations should be fair, equal, and based on mutual respect."
According to Al Jazeera, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghae stated at a press conference in Tehran on the 12th that Iran and the United States have channels of dialogue. He pointed out that Iran is willing to engage in dialogue but will not accept being lectured.
Bagaé stated that communication channels between Araghchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Witkov remain open, and the two sides will exchange information when necessary. He said that Iran has never left the negotiating table, but negotiations should not be unilateral.
Recently, protests against rising prices and currency devaluation have erupted in many parts of Iran, resulting in riots and casualties among security personnel and civilians. In an interview broadcast on Iranian state television on the 11th, Iranian President Peszhichiyan stated that the Iranian government values listening to the people's demands and is determined to resolve the economic difficulties faced by the Iranian people, but will not allow the United States and Israel to instigate "rioters" to create unrest in Iran.
