Rising riot tolls: Iran seeks dialogue to avert U.S. military action as tensions rise
Ziggy Ojiegbe
Iran is widening diplomatic channels with the United States in an effort to avert military confrontation, even as President Donald Trump weighs a range of forceful responses to Tehran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests.
Iranian officials say communication with Washington remains active and have underscored a preference for dialogue over escalation, hoping diplomacy will prevail despite mounting pressure.
Tehran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, acknowledged that Iran is “prepared for all options” but stressed that his country is also ready to negotiate and believes the United States will choose a “wise option” through engagement rather than force. Iranian diplomats have been in contact with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and hope to use those back-channel exchanges to reduce the risk of military confrontation.
The efforts at communication come as the Trump administration continues to publicly warn Tehran against using deadly force against anti-government demonstrators, a “red line” that Washington says Iran appears to be crossing. Trump has been briefed on a range of potential actions — from increased sanctions and cyber operations to long-range missile strikes — but has so far held off authorizing military strikes.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the messages U.S. officials are receiving from Iranian authorities privately differ from Tehran’s harsher public rhetoric, and the president is interested in exploring those quieter overtures before deciding next steps. Diplomacy remains, at least for now, the “first option” even as Trump insists he is prepared to use force if deemed necessary.
Instead of immediate military action, Trump has taken other punitive steps to pressure Iran, including announcing a 25 percent tariff on any country doing business with Tehran. The administration has stopped scheduled meetings with Iranian officials until the crackdown on protesters ends, though it has not ruled out future talks.
Despite Tehran’s overtures, the broader situation remains tense. Iranian leaders maintain that they are “ready for war” if attacked, even as they argue the United States should avoid military escalation and respect Iran’s sovereignty.
The protests, triggered by economic hardship and evolving into a wider challenge to clerical rule, have resulted in a significant number of fatalities and arrests. The crisis continues to test diplomatic and strategic options on both sides, with each government balancing pressure and restraint amid widespread international concern.
