Iran says it is prepared for war but favors dialogue amid US threats

The Iranian government declared on Tuesday that it stands ready for potential military conflict but prioritizes dialogue to resolve escalating tensions with the United States. The statement reflects a nation facing simultaneous external threats and significant internal unrest following recent anti-government protests.

A Dual Stance: Readiness for War and a Call for Dialogue

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani addressed the media in Tehran, acknowledging the heightened rhetoric. "Amid these threats, we hear the drums of war beating in the foreign press," she stated. Asserting Iran's resilience, Mohajerani noted, "This is not the first time we have faced such a threat. We have previously endured a multi-stage war," a reference to the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War. Despite this posture of readiness, she stressed that Iran's preferred path is engagement and conversation to settle disputes, positioning the government as seeking de-escalation.

Context of US Military Moves and Protester Deaths

The warning comes amidst a conspicuous US military buildup in the region. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, along with supporting warships, entered the Middle East on Monday, a move seen as a direct signal to Tehran. The US administration has stated that "all options," including military action, remain on the table, with an explicit goal shared with Israel of changing Iran's political system. Domestically, Mohajerani addressed the fallout from the protests, acknowledging the significant death toll. "More than 3,000 deaths is not a small number. We will not forget the brutal killings carried out against our security forces," she said, mourning citizens and officers alike while vowing to overcome the crisis through public engagement.

Domestic Policy Shifts and Internet Restrictions

Mohajerani outlined a shift in the government's approach to the protest movement, claiming authorities have held meetings with leaders of "peaceful" demonstrations and dismissed university officials who took hardline stances against students. However, she defended the ongoing severe restrictions on internet access, stating that decisions related to "security threats" are made by the Supreme National Security Council. While acknowledging President Masoud Pezeshkian's support for lifting restrictions, she cited current circumstances as necessitating continued control, with only limited access granted to businesspeople and traders. She concluded by stating that investigative reports on the protests and related violence would be released in the coming days.