Iranian Foreign Minister alleges U.S., Israel behind violence linked to protests

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that the situation in Iran is "under total control" following violence linked to protests over the weekend, while denouncing the United States for intervening.

In a meeting with foreign diplomats, Araghchi said the country's nationwide protests were "turned violent and bloody" to give an "excuse" for U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene, Al Jazeera reported. According to Araghchi, the demonstrations were "stoked and fuelled" by foreign elements, and security forces would "hunt down" those responsible. 

Araghchi said that Iran has obtained evidence of U.S. and Israeli involvement in domestic "terrorist activities," including footage showing weapons being distributed to protesters, and that authorities will soon release confessions of detainees. Araghchi stressed that Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared for it, and is also ready for "serious and practical" talks with the United States on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

The United States and Israel have not publicly responded in detail to those specific accusations.