Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that the situation in Iran is "under control" with "many terrorist operatives" arrested. He told foreign diplomats in a televised meeting that "confessions will be released soon" and said there is "substantial evidence of foreign involvement." He also Iran is ready to negotiate with the US based on "mutual respect and interests." "As I have said repeatedly, we are also ready for negotiations — but fair and dignified negotiations, from an equal position, with mutual respect and based on mutual interests," Araghchi said. The foreign minister's statements came after US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iran had "called to negotiate," as his administration weighs potential military options for intervention against Tehran following the demonstrations. The Iranian government has stated its readiness to negotiate several times in previous months. Later on Monday, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the communication channel between Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff "remains open" and "whenever necessary, messages are exchanged through that channel." He added that "certain points and ideas have been presented by the other side," referring to the US. Large crowds of people have gathered in various Iranian cities in support of the country's regime, according to video broadcast by state media. People can be seen carrying images of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, holding up copies of the Qur'an and waving Islamic Republic flags in demonstrations in cities including Kerman and Zahedan. Iranian state agencies had called for nationwide marches on Monday in support of the regime which has faced down more than two weeks of growing protests fueled by spiraling anger over the economy, authoritarian rule and a deadly crackdown on demonstrators. Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation said all flights are "operating normally and without problems" and airport services are fully functioning. Majid Akhavan, spokesman for the organization, said travelers concerned about the status of flights because of recent internet-related issues "can obtain up-to-date information directly from airport sources", the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported. Iran's president said Sunday that his government is determined to address Iran's economic problems amid ongoing protests in several parts of the country. Iran's "enemies are seeking to sow chaos and instability" following the country's 12-day war last June with Israel, Masoud Pezeshkian told the state television. His remarks were the first since protests that began last month over worsening economic conditions and the record depreciation of the national currency, the rial, turned violent last week. Pezeshkian condemned recent attacks on public places, including mosques, in Tehran and other Iranian cities, blaming the US and Israel for the violence. There are no official casualty figures, but some NGOs outside Iran estimate the death toll at 116, including both security forces and protesters, with over 1,000 injured. Iranian officials have accused Washington and Tel Aviv of backing the increasingly violent protests, particularly in Tehran, where government buildings, banks, buses, and mosques have been set ablaze by armed protesters in recent days. Internet connectivity has also been suspended across the country. Pezeshkian accused the US and Israel of "training certain groups" inside and outside the country and bringing "terrorists from abroad" to set mosques, markets, and public places on fire. "They have killed some with weapons, burned others, and beheaded some. Truly, these crimes are beyond our people's nature. These are not our people. They do not belong to this country. If someone protests for this country, we listen and address their concerns," he said. The Iranian president said his government admits to "shortcomings and problems" and is working hard to alleviate the people's concerns, especially regarding the economy. "Where in the world are such protests and behaviors accepted as protests? If this happened in the US, would Americans allow it? Would Europeans allow it? If someone attacked a military base or city center, would they say, 'Go ahead and loot it'," he said. He insisted that those attacking public property are not protesters, but rioters, adding that the government is willing to meet with and listen to those who have legitimate concerns. Pezeshkian said the US and Israel tried to bring Iranians "to their knees" during the 12-day war in June but failed, and now seek to do the same through "riots." "We will build this country with the people's help and stand firmly against the external conspiracies and riots, with the help of producers and merchants. We will stop them with power," he said, offering condolences to those who have died in the ongoing protests. Before the protests turned violent on Thursday night, US President Trump tweeted that the US would "come to the rescue" of Iranian protesters if the government used lethal force against them. His remarks drew sharp criticism from top Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, security chief Ali Larijani, and Foreign Minister Araghchi. Pezeshkian accused the US and Israel of instigating Iranian youth. "The same people who destroyed this country and killed our youth and children now instruct these rioters to destroy more." He reassured the public that his government will work to solve their problems and urged families "not to let their youth mix with rioters and terrorists who kill and behead." "Protest if you must; we will listen and solve your concerns. Let us work together to solve problems. But worsening the country's economic situation through chaos serves no one," he said. — Agencies
