Iran Keeps U.S. Channels Open as Trump Weighs Military and Diplomatic Options Amid Protests

Iran said on Monday that it is keeping diplomatic communication channels open with the United States, even as President Donald Trump considers possible responses to a violent crackdown on nationwide protests—one of the most serious challenges to clerical rule since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Trump said on Sunday that Washington may meet Iranian officials and that he is in contact with opposition figures, while simultaneously increasing pressure on Tehran. He warned that the United States could take action, including military steps, in response to violence against protesters.

Iranian authorities confirmed that direct communication remains active between Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, with messages exchanged when necessary. Tehran also continues to rely on Switzerland as a traditional intermediary.

Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi says his country is ready for war but also for dialogue, after US President Donald Trump said the US is considering ‘very strong options’ in response to Iran’s crackdown on anti-gov’t protests. pic.twitter.com/5migWC9k9l

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 12, 2026

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said that while ideas have been exchanged, contradictory signals from Washington raise doubts about U.S. seriousness. Araqchi, speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran, said Iran is prepared for war but remains open to dialogue, underscoring what officials describe as Tehran’s long-standing willingness to negotiate.

The unrest, which began on December 28 over soaring prices and economic hardship, has since evolved into open calls for the downfall of Iran’s clerical leadership. Rights group HRANA said it has verified the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 security personnel, with more than 10,600 arrests. Iranian authorities have not released official figures, and independent verification has been hindered by an internet blackout imposed since Thursday.

Trump said Iran had reached out to negotiate over its nuclear programme, months after United States and Israel bombed Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day conflict in June. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said a meeting was being arranged but warned that the U.S. might act before talks take place.

A U.S. official said Trump was due to meet senior advisers to review options, which reportedly include military strikes, cyber operations, expanded sanctions, and online support for anti-government voices. Analysts caution that military action could be highly risky, as key Iranian military and security installations are located near densely populated areas.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned Washington against what he called a miscalculation, saying any attack on Iran would make U.S. bases, ships, and Israeli territory legitimate targets.

Despite the strong rhetoric, Iran remains weakened by last year’s conflict and by setbacks suffered by regional allies such as Hezbollah since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel. Senior Iranian military commanders were also killed during the June war, reducing Tehran’s regional leverage.

Iranian authorities accused the U.S. and Israel of fomenting unrest and called for nationwide rallies condemning what they described as terrorist actions. State television broadcast large funeral processions for slain security personnel and pro-government demonstrations across several cities.

Araqchi said the situation inside Iran is under control, blaming what he described as terrorist elements for escalating violence in an attempt to invite foreign intervention. Authorities declared three days of national mourning for those killed, whom state media described as martyrs.

While protests have exposed deep public resentment—particularly toward the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, whose economic interests span oil, construction, and telecommunications—analysts remain sceptical about the likelihood of regime collapse.

Former U.S. diplomat and Iran expert Alan Eyre said the establishment is likely to survive the unrest, though significantly weakened, noting the continued cohesion of Iran’s elite and the absence of an organised opposition.