Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi ( Photo: IRIB/Handout via REUTERS)

Araghchi told foreign diplomats in Tehran that the protests began over economic hardship, including the falling rial and subsidy reforms, but later turned violent and bloody, creating a pretext for foreign interference. Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran has evidence of what it calls US and Israeli involvement in “domestic terrorism,” and that security forces will act against those involved. He added that Tehran urged Britain, Germany, France and Italy to withdraw their support for protesters.

Araghchi said Monday that Iran is ready to negotiate with the US based on mutual respect and interests. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said a channel of communication is open between Iran and US President Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East.

President Trump announced Monday he will impose a 25% tariff on any country that does business with Iran. “Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic ‍of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America," he said in a post on Truth Social.

The same day, China and Russia condemned foreign interference in Iran. President Trump said he was considering very tough options, including possible military action against Iran, over concerns about the crackdown on protests.