Iran 'Ready For Dialogue', Says Foreign Minister

Last Updated:January 12, 2026, 14:57 IST

Trump claims Iran's leaders want to negotiate, while FM Abbas Araqchi says Iran is ready for war or dialogue. Speaker warns US and Israel of retaliation amid ongoing protests.

Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said internet service will be resumed in coordination with security authorities. (Al Jazeera/X)

After US President Donald Trump said Iran’s leaders have reached out to negotiate, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the country is “ready for war but also for dialogue".

In a briefing to foreign ambassadors in Tehran via English translation, Araqchi said: “We are ready for war but also for dialogue".

Trump said, “They called to negotiate. Yesterday, the leaders of Iran called. They want to negotiate. I think they’re tired of being beaten up by the United States. We may meet with them. I mean, a meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up."

He also said that he is in contact with Iranian opposition leaders.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned Washington against “a miscalculation."

“Let us be clear: in the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) as well as all US bases and ships will be our legitimate target," said Qalibaf, a former commander in Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards.

Meanwhile, Araqchi has also said internet service will be resumed in coordination with security authorities.

Earlier, Trump said that military strikes against Iran are being considered after reports that protesters have been killed during ongoing anti-government demonstrations.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked whether Iran had crossed the “red line".

Trump said on Sunday that the United States is ready to help Iran gain freedom from the government led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran was “looking at freedom, perhaps like never before," and added that the US stood ready to assist.

The United States has previously carried out strikes on Iranian territory. In June, US forces dropped at least six bunker-buster bombs on three sites, including the Fordow nuclear enrichment facility, which is located deep underground. The strikes followed Iranian threats against Israel and were coordinated with Israeli attacks on Iran’s military infrastructure.

According to US-based rights group HRANA, 490 protesters and 48 security personnel have died and more than 10,600 people have been arrested. The protests began on December 28 in response to soaring prices.

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