Speaking in a interview with Fox News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected international claims of mass killings and executions, portraying the recent unrest as a contained security challenge rather than a widespread popular uprising. He said the situation in Iran has stabilized and warned that misleading reports risk inflaming tensions and misrepresenting realities on the ground.

Araghchi Rejects High Death Toll Estimates

Addressing estimates suggesting that between 2,500 and more than 12,000 protesters may have been killed, Araghchi said such figures were “grossly exaggerated.” According to him, fatalities linked to the unrest are in the hundreds and resulted from clashes with armed groups rather than peaceful demonstrations.

He said Iranian authorities would soon release official figures, adding that claims of mass casualties are part of what he described as a coordinated misinformation campaign.

Violence Blamed on External “Terrorist Elements”

Araghchi argued that violence during the protests was driven by what he called terrorist cells operating from outside Iran. He said these groups attacked police and civilians using tactics associated with extremist organizations, including shootings and arson.

According to the foreign minister, the objective was to raise the death toll to provoke foreign intervention. He claimed this effort was intended to draw the United States into the crisis and described it as an Israeli-backed plot designed to destabilize Iran internally.

No Plans to Execute Protesters, Araghchi Says

Responding to fears that detained protesters could face execution, Araghchi categorically denied such plans. “There is no hanging today or tomorrow, or at any time,” he said, adding that there is no policy to execute demonstrators.

He also sought to downplay the scale of unrest, stating that Iran has experienced several days of calm with no demonstrations or disturbances.

Iran’s Broader Positions: Missiles, Proxies, and Nuclear Rights

Beyond the protests, Araghchi reiterated Iran’s long-standing positions on regional and security issues. He said Iran does not control proxy forces in the region, describing them instead as independent movements fighting occupation, with Tehran offering only political and logistical support.

He also said Iran’s ballistic missile program is non-negotiable, calling it a core element of national defense. On the nuclear issue, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s right to uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Relations With the United States and Leadership Stability

Araghchi criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for abandoning diplomacy, citing the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement and military action taken against Iran. He questioned why Tehran should re-engage in negotiations with Washington under those circumstances.

He also dismissed speculation about instability at the top of Iran’s leadership, saying Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is in good health, firmly in control, and continues to enjoy public support.