16 key points from Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi’s interview with Al Jazeera:
WANA (Jan 17) – In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, addressed the recent protests that happened in Iran and clarified some of the vague issues in this regard:
1- The protests in Iran from December 28th, 2025 to January 7th, 2026, were peaceful, and there were no casualties.
2- The turning point occurred between January 8 and 10, 2026, when organised and trained terrorist groups infiltrated the gatherings.
3-They opened fire on police, security forces, and protesters with the intention of deliberately increasing the number of casualties. This was in response to Trump’s indication that he would intervene militarily in the situation. The operation was carried out under foreign guidance, aimed at provoking foreign military intervention by escalating the death toll.
4- In the next stage, organised terror and intimidation occurred, resembling ISIS behavior:
- Burning alive and beheading police forces
- Shooting the wounded
- Burning mosques, public places and people’s personal property.
5- The internet shutdown was carried out at the same time as the terrorist operation began, not during the peaceful protests.
6- There are documents and recorded conversations indicating that orders were given to armed groups from abroad
7- In fact, January 8th, 2026, was the “13th day of the US-Israeli war against Iran.” After the failure of the 12-day war in 2025, the US and Israel tried to achieve their goal through internal destabilisation.
8-In this context, the security forces had to intervene and cut off the internet to disrupt communication, coordination, and command of terrorist networks.
9- Within three days, the situation was brought under control, and most of the individuals involved were arrested. They confessed to receiving money in exchange for specific actions, such as attacking the police, setting fires, and destroying property.
10- Since January 10, 2026, the country has been at peace, and unrest has nearly come to an end. The government continues to address the demands of the people.
11-Public statements from Israeli officials, media outlets, and tweets from former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have revealed an acknowledgment by the US and Israel of their involvement in the recent unrest in Iran. The presence of Mossad agents among the protesters and the distribution of weapons suggest that this is an organised foreign operation.
12- These actions are terrorist in nature and are not related to civil protest.
13. Iran will not hesitate to protect the rights of its people against foreign-affiliated elements.
14. My discussions with Trump’s representative, Witkoff, continued both before and after the protests, and some ideas for dialogue are currently being considered.
15. Iran will not be pressured into negotiations through domestic or economic means. Negotiations can only occur with mutual respect, free from threats, and centered on mutual interests.
16. Iran remains unconvinced that the United States is prepared for fair and balanced negotiations. However, if this situation changes, an agreement may be possible.
