Araqchi Confirms Open Channels Amid Trump Military Threats

TEHRAN : Despite a bloody crackdown on domestic protests and the threat of US military intervention, the Iranian government confirmed on Monday that it is maintaining active communication channels with the United States.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei revealed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff are exchanging messages “whenever necessary.” While the rhetoric remains hostile, the admission suggests that both nations are seeking to avoid an uncontrolled escalation into full-scale war.

President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that Iran had reached out to negotiate regarding its nuclear program. This follows a devastating 12-day conflict in June during which the US and Israel targeted Iranian nuclear sites.

“Iran wants to negotiate, yes. We might meet with them,” Trump told reporters, though he cautioned that the ongoing violence against Iranian protesters might force a US response before any such meeting takes place. Tehran, for its part, maintains it “never left the negotiating table,” despite labeling recent US messages as “contradictory” and “unconvincing.”

In a briefing to foreign ambassadors, Abbas Araqchi reiterated a dual-track strategy: the Islamic Republic is “ready for war but also open to dialogue.” However, the internal stability of Iran is being tested like never before.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned Washington against a “miscalculation,” threatening that US bases, ships, and Israeli territories would be “legitimate targets” in the event of an attack. This defiance comes at a time when Iran’s regional influence has been severely hampered by the degradation of allies like Hezbollah.

While the leadership in Tehran claims the situation is “under total control,” experts suggest the clerical establishment is emerging from this crisis far weaker. The protests, which began over economic hardship, have evolved into a nationwide movement calling for the fall of the establishment—all while the Revolutionary Guards’ massive business interests face increasing public resentment.