The shadow of war is looming over Iran as tensions with the United States escalate, but Tehran insists it does not seek conflict and remains open to talks — while also declaring it is fully prepared to defend itself if attacked.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told foreign diplomats that Iran does not want war but will firmly defend its sovereignty.
He said any negotiations with Washington must be “fair, serious and based on equality and mutual respect.”

Araqchi added that Iran is fully aware of its enemies and national interests, stressing that threats would not force Tehran into submission.

Protests under control

Araqchi said security forces have regained “full control” after weeks of unrest that erupted on December 28 following the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions. He accused Israel and the United States of instigating violence, claiming “malicious elements” killed both civilians and security personnel at the urging of Donald Trump.

The foreign minister alleged that rioters used “[ISIS]-style violence,” torching public property and attacking police and paramilitary forces.

Khamenei calls Trump ‘Pharaoh and Nimrod’

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sharply escalated rhetoric by portraying Trump as a modern-day tyrant. On Monday, Khamenei shared an image on X depicting Trump as an ancient pharaoh in a crumbling sarcophagus, captioned “Like Pharaoh.”

In an accompanying message in Persian, Khamenei said rulers such as Pharaoh, Nimrod, Reza Khan and Mohammad Reza Shah were toppled at the height of their power. “This one too will be overthrown,” he wrote, declaring the Iranian nation strong, powerful and wise.

Pro-govt rally in Tehran

Amid rising tensions, thousands gathered in Tehran for a large pro-government rally. Iranian President Masoud Pezzekian attended the demonstration, repeatedly waving to supporters chanting slogans in favour of the government and against foreign interference.

State media described the rally as a show of national unity in the face of what officials call a foreign-backed “terrorist war.”

There is still no official government death toll, but the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates that at least 544 to 599 people have been killed since protests began. These include protesters, civilians and between 89 and 121 security personnel, according to HRANA and Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

HRANA said more than 10,681 people have been detained across 585 locations, including 186 cities in all 31 provinces, with over 1,000 injured.

Internet blackout hampers information flow

Communications across Iran remain largely cut off, making independent verification difficult. Araqchi said internet access would be restored “very soon,” while state TV declared three days of public mourning for civilians and security forces killed during the unrest.

Iranian television displayed a black ribbon on screen and aired footage claiming calm had been restored nationwide.

US weighs options; Iran signals openness to talks

Trump said on Sunday that Washington is considering “very strong options,” including military action, in response to reports of deadly crackdowns. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he said Iran’s leadership had reached out seeking talks, but added: “We’ll make a determination.”

Araqchi confirmed backchannel communications, saying Iran is ready for negotiations grounded in mutual respect and national interests, though he offered no further details.

Iran’s crisis comes months after a 12-day war with Israel, during which US forces bombed Iranian nuclear facilities. Officials in Tehran say Israel and the US are directly responsible for fueling unrest as Iran faces its most serious internal challenge since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Despite the scale of protests, analysts say there are no clear signs of splits within Iran’s clerical leadership or security forces, while the opposition remains fragmented.