Iranian Armed Forces 'fully prepared' to repel any aggression: FM spokesman

The Iranian Armed Forces, backed by the nation, are fully prepared to repel any act of aggression against the country, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.

Asked at a press conference about the possibility of war, Baghaei said Iran is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to respond to any act of aggression.

“Our nation has shown that, with full might and complete courage, it defends Iran’s integrity, and our readiness is increasing carefully and on a moment-by-moment basis, and our armed forces, as in the past, will be ready to repel any act of aggression,” he said.

He said the recent riots in Iran were caused by “very evident” interventionist remarks by US and Israeli officials.

“Peaceful protests were met with an appropriate response by the administration... But in the second stage, the country was faced with a wave of warm and cold arms, in addition to US and Israeli officials’ interventionist remarks,” he noted.

Some shopkeepers last week staged limited street protests in several Iranian cities over economic instability, but the demonstrations were steered toward violence after public statements by US and Israeli figures — amplified by Israeli-linked Persian-language outlets — encouraged vandalism and disorder.

Authorities have acknowledged the legitimacy of peaceful economic grievances and vowed to address them, while blaming foreign-backed elements for exploiting concerns over rising living costs and the depreciation of the national currency, which is directly linked to unilateral US sanctions targeting Iran’s central bank and oil exports.

Iranian authorities declared that perpetrators of the latest unrest are backed by the United States and the Israeli regime.

Baghaei added that this time, American and Israeli officials revealed their interference very openly.

It was clear, according to Baghaei, that these interventions were meant to create violence and chaos in Iran.

“Many believe that the recent events that happened these days were the thirteenth day of the US-Israeli aggression against our country,” he said.

He further noted that these remarks were in violation of international laws, and the country will show the documents in the future.

Iran-US communication channel open

Reacting to US President Donald Trump’s claims over talks with Iran, he said that “the communication channel is open between the Iranian foreign minister and the US president’s special envoy, through which messages are exchanged whenever needed.”

He added that this channel is alongside the official channel, which is the Swiss embassy acting as the US Interests Section in Iran.

He confirmed that the American side has raised some issues, reiterating that Iran has never left the negotiating table and has always been committed to diplomacy.

But he added that Tehran seeks a kind of negotiation that is meaningful and mutual.

Iran attaches importance to Lebanon’s integrity

The Iranian spokesperson pointed to the recent visit of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Lebanon, noting that the ties between the two countries are deep-rooted.

He highlighted that the recent visit was more focused on economic cooperation, adding that the relations can improve.

“Lebanon’s internal affairs are their own business. For us, preserving Lebanon’s integrity is important. We are aware that Lebanon has difficult conditions because of the existence of the Israeli regime.”

Since the ceasefire took effect last year, Israeli attacks have killed hundreds of Lebanese citizens.

Under the truce agreement, Israeli forces were expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January.

However, the withdrawal has been only partial, with a continued military presence at five border outposts.

Iran protested to Europeans over double standards

Baghaei also denounced the European countries' double standards with regard to human rights.

“These double and insidious attitudes against the Iranian nation in relation to human rights issues have happened before. The European side has reprimanded Iran based on a cliché approach,” he said.

He added that the country has announced its complaint to the European side, notifying them of their responsibilities.

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