Iran has warned it is ready to retaliate militarily as President Trump weighs potential U.S. intervention following a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests that have rocked the country for weeks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday that while Tehran remains open to negotiations with Washington, it is fully prepared for conflict if tensions escalate. Speaking to foreign diplomats during a televised meeting in Tehran, Araghchi emphasized that military readiness is central to Iran’s deterrence strategy.

“We do not want war, but we are completely prepared for it — even more prepared than before the previous war,” Araghchi said, according to CNN.

“The reason is clear: the best way to prevent war is to be prepared for war, so that our enemies do not once again fall into miscalculation.”

The remarks come as President Trump confirmed that the U.S. military is evaluating “strong options” in response to the violence against protesters. Demonstrations began on Dec. 28 as protests over economic hardship but have since evolved into broader calls for regime change.

According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), at least 503 demonstrators have been killed in the unrest. The group also reported the deaths of 69 members of Iran’s military or law enforcement forces, along with one prosecutor and five “non-protesting civilian” citizens.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump is expected to receive a briefing Tuesday from senior national security officials outlining potential responses to Iran’s crackdown, including military and diplomatic measures.

Trump also said Iranian officials recently reached out to negotiate over Tehran’s nuclear program, which U.S. strikes in June reportedly delayed by at least two years, according to the Pentagon. Last month, Trump warned he was prepared to strike again if Iran attempted to rebuild its nuclear capabilities.

“Iran called to negotiate yesterday. The leaders of Iran called. They want to negotiate. I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” Trump said.

“We may meet with them — a meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting, but a meeting is being set up.”

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Iranian officials indicated that diplomatic communication remains active. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Monday that the channel between Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff “remains open,” adding that “whenever necessary, messages are exchanged through that channel,” CNN reported.

As protests continue and U.S. military options remain under review, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether the standoff moves toward diplomacy or deeper confrontation.