Overview
- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera Iran is prepared for all scenarios with greater military readiness than last year’s conflict yet remains willing to hold fair, threat-free negotiations, including on the nuclear file.
- Araghchi said back-channel communications with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have continued before and after the unrest, and that Tehran is reviewing ideas conveyed by Washington.
- President Donald Trump said he is considering very strong measures, including possible military action, and claimed a meeting with Iranian leaders is being arranged, as the White House emphasized diplomatic options and announced a 25% tariff threat on countries trading with Iran with details not yet clear.
- Iranian officials blamed foreign actors for stoking violence, said they will release footage of weapons distribution and detainee confessions, and showcased pro-government rallies and days of mourning for slain security personnel.
- Connectivity watchdogs reported roughly four days of a national internet shutdown, with death tolls disputed as HRANA cites 500-plus killed and Tasnim reports 109 security-force deaths and over 10,000 arrests, figures that remain difficult to independently verify.