Iran is fully prepared for conflict but also ready for negotiations, its foreign minister said on Monday, while describing the ongoing anti-government demonstrations as "terrorist war."
Speaking at a news conference, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said: "What is happening now is not protests, it is a terrorist war against the country."
"Iranian authorities possess audio recordings of voice messages sent to terrorist elements ordering them to open fire on civilians and security forces," he claimed.
Araghchi said the groups also targeted government buildings, police stations, and shops, and claimed authorities have images showing weapons being distributed among protesters.
He said the protests began on Dec. 28 as "peaceful and legitimate" demonstrations by merchants, but later turned violent.
