Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi has said the country has footage of weapons being distributed to protesters, adding that the authorities will soon release confessions of detainees.
He said authorities are “closely following” the ongoing events on the streets.
Araghchi said the demonstrations were “stoked and fuelled” by foreign elements.
Security forces will “hunt down” those responsible, he added.
Araqchi said “we are ready for war but also for dialogue”.
He said situation after nationwide protests ‘under total control.
Trump’s warning motivated terrorists, pretext for intervention -FM
Iran’s Foreign Minister Araqchi also said the US President Donald Trump’s warning against Tehran of military action should protests turn bloody motivated “terrorists” to target protesters and security forces in order to invite foreign intervention.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in Iran, warning he has “very strong options” as the US military studies the situation while his administration is in contact with Iranian opposition leaders.
Iran’s government declares three days of national mourning for the “martyrs” killed in two weeks of protests, including members of security forces.
More than 100 security personnel have been killed in recent days, state media report, while opposition activists say the death toll is higher and includes hundreds of protesters. Al Jazeera cannot independently verify either figure.
UN chief condemns reports of violence, excessive force
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern at reports of “violence & excessive use of force” by Iranian authorities against protesters across the country.
He urged authorities in Iran to “exercise maximum restraint & refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force”.
Guterres also called on Iran to restore connectivity in the country as it enters its fourth day without the internet. (Al Jazeera)
