“We are Prepared for War, but the Door for Dialogue is Open”: Iranian Foreign Minister

Tehran, January 14. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated that while the country is prepared for war, it is also keeping the door open for dialogue amidst warnings of potential US military action.

In an interview with Al Jazeera today, Minister Amir-Abdollahian said, “If Washington wishes to test the military option, we are prepared for it,” while also expressing hope that the United States would prioritize dialogue.

He claimed that communication with US Special Envoy Robert Malley had been continuous both before and after the recent protests and is still ongoing.

This interview follows US President Joe Biden’s threat to consider “some very strong options,” including potential military action against Iran, in response to what he termed Iran’s “crackdown” on protesters. Earlier, President Biden told reporters that Iranian officials had contacted the United States to propose negotiations, adding that “a meeting is being arranged.”

Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since December 28. They initially began with Tehran’s bazaar merchants demonstrating against the sharp devaluation of the national currency, the Rial, and soaring inflation, before spreading to other cities. The unrest has resulted in casualties among both security forces and civilians.

Iranian authorities have claimed that the United States and Israel may be orchestrating the unrest from behind the scenes.

In his Al Jazeera interview, Amir-Abdollahian also explained the rationale behind Iran’s internet shutdown following the protests.

“We have recorded audio of individuals from abroad giving orders to terrorist agents, instructing them to fire at police forces and, in their absence, to fire at demonstrators. Their intention was to spread killing,” said Amir-Abdollahian.