Iranian FM says situation 'under total control' amid U.S. threat of force

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that the situation in Iran is "under total control" following violence linked to protests spiked over the weekend.

The protests, which have erupted across Iran since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardships, were "turned violent and bloody" to provide an "excuse" for U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene, Araghchi told a conference of foreign ambassadors in Tehran, broadcast by state TV.

Trump said on Sunday that his administration is weighing "some very strong options" including potential military action against Iran.

When asked by reporters aboard Air Force One if Iran has crossed a red line to trigger a response, Trump said, "They're starting to, it looks like."

"We're looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it, and we're looking at some very strong options. We'll make a determination," Trump said.

The U.S. president also said Iran's leaders have reached out to him, expressing a desire to negotiate. "The leaders of Iran called," said Trump, adding that they "want to negotiate."

In his Monday address, Araghchi said Iran "is not seeking war but is fully prepared for war." 

"We are also ready for negotiations but these negotiations should be fair, with equal rights and based on mutual respect," he added.

Iran is currently experiencing a nationwide internet blackout, which media reports say is linked to ongoing protests. Araghchi said internet access would be soon restored across the country.

(With input from Xinhua)