Tehran, Jan 13 (V7N) — Iran has warned that it is fully prepared for war if the United States chooses military confrontation, as tensions between the two longtime rivals continue to escalate.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera Arabic on Monday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is ready to respond if Washington attempts to test its military strength.

“If the United States wants to test our military power—as it has done before—we are ready,” Araghchi said. However, he added that Iran hopes the US will “choose negotiations wisely,” stressing that diplomacy remains preferable to conflict.

The Iranian foreign minister also warned that certain forces are attempting to drag Washington into a war to protect Israel’s interests, urging the US to avoid such a path.

Addressing the ongoing protests and violence across Iran, Araghchi claimed that armed terrorists have infiltrated the movement, carrying out attacks on both protesters and security personnel. He alleged that the unrest is being directly fueled by the United States and Israel.

According to Araghchi, threats of military action—particularly those made by former US President Donald Trump—are encouraging militant elements and creating conditions aimed at justifying foreign intervention.

“These groups are targeting both civilians and security forces to destabilize the country and pave the way for external interference,” he said.

Despite the strong rhetoric, Araghchi reiterated that Iran remains open to negotiations with the United States, provided talks are conducted on the basis of “dignity and mutual respect.”

The comments come amid heightened regional tensions, widespread protests in Iran, and renewed warnings from Washington, raising concerns of a possible escalation between the two adversaries.

END/SMA/AJ