{"id":4959,"date":"2026-01-13T05:51:42","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T05:51:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jubaglobal.com\/?p=4959"},"modified":"2026-01-13T05:51:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T05:51:43","slug":"irans-foreign-minister-declares-nation-fully-prepared-for-war-amid-escalating-u-s-threats-and-deadly-protests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/directtopic.com\/jubaglobal.com\/irans-foreign-minister-declares-nation-fully-prepared-for-war-amid-escalating-u-s-threats-and-deadly-protests\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran\u2019s Foreign Minister Declares Nation \u201cFully Prepared for War\u201d Amid Escalating U.S. Threats and Deadly Protests"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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By Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com<\/strong>
Tehran, Iran \u2013 January 13, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iran\u2019s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stark warning on January 12, stating that the Islamic Republic is \u201cnot seeking war but is fully prepared for war\u201d if the United States decides to intervene militarily in response to the regime\u2019s ongoing crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests. The declaration, delivered during a conference with foreign ambassadors in Tehran and broadcast on state television, comes as U.S. President Donald Trump weighs a range of aggressive options, including potential airstrikes, while emphasizing diplomacy as the preferred path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Araghchi\u2019s comments underscore Tehran\u2019s defiant stance amid one of the most severe internal challenges to the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution. \u201cWe are prepared for all options and hope Washington chooses the wise option\u201d of dialogue based on mutual respect, he said, referring to Iran\u2019s enhanced military capabilities compared to previous confrontations, including last summer\u2019s exchanges with Israel. He accused external actors, particularly those aligned with Israel, of attempting to push the U.S. toward conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The protests, which began in late December 2025 over economic grievances such as rampant inflation, currency collapse, and resource shortages, have rapidly transformed into widespread calls for the ouster of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the end of clerical rule. Demonstrations have erupted in cities across all 31 provinces, with crowds chanting slogans like \u201cDeath to the Dictator\u201d and waving symbols of pre-revolutionary Iran, including the Lion and Sun flag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij militia, have responded with overwhelming force: live ammunition, tear gas, beatings, and mass detentions. A near-total internet and communications blackout imposed since early January has severely restricted the flow of information, making independent verification challenging and fueling fears of even higher casualties hidden from view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Human rights organizations report staggering losses. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) documented at least 572 deaths (including 503 protesters and 69 security personnel) and over 10,600 arrests in the first two weeks. Norway-based Iran Human Rights estimated 648 fatalities, including children, while some exile sources and hospital accounts suggest the toll could reach thousands when accounting for unreported cases. Eyewitnesses describe hospitals in crisis, with morgues overflowing and bodies accumulating outside facilities like those in southern Tehran. Videos smuggled out show grieving families searching among black body bags and protesters being shot at close range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned the \u201crenewed cycle of protest bloodshed,\u201d documenting unlawful use of firearms against largely peaceful crowds, including minors. Supreme Leader Khamenei has escalated rhetoric, declaring an end to \u201ctolerance\u201d and labeling demonstrators \u201crioters\u201d who must be \u201cput in their place.\u201d Judiciary officials have warned of harsh punishments, including potential death sentences for those deemed \u201cenemies of God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the U.S. front, President Trump has maintained a high-pressure posture. Aboard Air Force One on January 11, he revealed that Iranian officials had reached out to negotiate but cautioned that ongoing violence could force action first. \u201cThe military is looking at it, and we\u2019re looking at some very strong options,\u201d he stated, without detailing specifics. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that \u201cdiplomacy is always the first option,\u201d yet affirmed Trump is \u201cunafraid to use lethal force\u201d if necessary, with airstrikes among possibilities under review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reports indicate Trump has been briefed on a spectrum of responses: targeted strikes on regime security infrastructure or leadership figures, cyber operations to disrupt military communications, expanded sanctions (including a recently announced 25% tariff on nations trading with Iran), and support for protesters via restored internet access, potentially through Starlink terminals. Communications reportedly occur through Trump\u2019s special envoy Steve Witkoff and channels like the Swiss embassy representing U.S. interests in Tehran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iranian officials, including Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, have vowed retaliation against U.S. and allied targets in the region if attacked, claiming greater strength than in prior conflicts. Despite the bravado, sources suggest internal regime discussions acknowledge the crisis as existential, with some shifts toward de-escalating protester violence while preparing defenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Analysts caution that U.S. intervention risks unifying Iranians behind the regime through nationalist backlash or provoking asymmetric attacks on American bases. The protests expose profound frustrations over corruption, economic mismanagement, and foreign adventurism diverting resources. Trump\u2019s approach revives his prior \u201cmaximum pressure\u201d strategy, complicated by recent actions like the U.S. operation in Venezuela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

International responses remain divided: European nations condemn the crackdown, while Russia and China offer tacit backing to Tehran. Protests in solidarity have occurred in cities like London, where demonstrators replaced the Iranian embassy flag with pre-revolutionary symbols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As briefings continue in Washington and unrest persists in Iran despite the blackout, the coming days hold immense risk. Diplomacy hangs by a thread, with both sides signaling openness to talks yet poised for escalation. The fate of millions protesting for change\u2014and the stability of the Middle East\u2014may hinge on whether cooler heads prevail or miscalculation ignites wider conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Juba Global News Network delivers independent coverage of global events. Stay informed with updates at JubaGlobal.com.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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