Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has claimed that recent nationwide protests were deliberately pushed into violence to provide the United States with an excuse to intervene militarily. His remarks come as Iran faces a third consecutive week of unrest, a nationwide internet shutdown, and repeated warnings from US President Donald Trump.

Araghchi Accuses “Foreign Plot”

Speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran on Monday, Araghchi said protests that began peacefully had “turned violent and bloody” over the weekend, alleging that this escalation was designed to justify foreign intervention.

He argued that Trump’s warnings of military action if violence continued had encouraged “terrorist elements” to target both protesters and security forces. “We are ready for war, but we are also ready for dialogue,” Araghchi said, adding that the situation was now “under total control.

Claims of Weapons and Arrests

Araghchi said Iranian authorities possess footage showing weapons being distributed among protesters and claimed that confessions from detained individuals would soon be made public. He alleged the demonstrations were “stoked and fuelled” by foreign actors and warned that security forces would “hunt down” those responsible for violence.

The Iranian government has declared three days of national mourning for those it describes as “martyrs” killed during the unrest, including members of the security forces.

Casualties and Protests Enter Third Week

According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, at least 109 security personnel have been killed since the protests began. Iranian authorities have not released official figures on civilian casualties, while opposition activists outside the country claim the death toll is higher and includes dozens of demonstrators.

Initially triggered by anger over the rising cost of living, the protests have evolved into a nationwide movement challenging the political order established after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

Nationwide Internet Blackout Continues

Iran’s nationwide internet shutdown entered its fourth day on Monday, drawing criticism from human rights organisations. Connectivity monitoring group NetBlocks said the country has experienced a “national internet blackout” for more than 84 hours, though some users have managed to bypass restrictions.

The blackout has sharply reduced the flow of protest videos on social media. Amnesty International described the shutdown as an attempt to conceal “violations amid escalating deadly crackdowns on protesters.”

Araghchi said internet services would soon be gradually restored, including at embassies and government ministries, adding that coordination with security agencies was underway.