TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei says that the United States and Israel’s objective is to “incite turmoil and violence” in Iran, and that “more Iranians would get targeted.”

In his weekly press conference on Monday, the diplomat said: “In the second phase of the protests, unexpectedly, on Thursday, the country was confronted with a flood of armed force, and this situation was met with a highly controversial and manipulative statement by American and Israeli officials.”

Baqaei further emphasized that these actions are unequivocally in violation of all international norms and principles of international law.”

Iran has been grappling with a surge of unrest since the beginning of 2026, marked by protests, riots, sabotage, and attacks by individuals and groups engaged in terrorism.

These incidents, initially fueled by economic hardship and market instability, spiraled into violent activity on Thursday and Friday, targeting critical infrastructure and religious sites.

The country’s security forces have faced over a hundred losses.

Multiple Iranian officials have blamed the U.S. and Israel for orchestrating these attacks.

‘Communication channel is open’ 

Baqaei also says a communication channel is open between Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff so that they can exchange messages whenever needed.

“The communication channel is open between the Iranian foreign minister and the U.S. president’s special envoy, through which messages are exchanged whenever needed. This channel is alongside the official channel, which as you know, is the Swiss embassy acting as the U.S. Interests Section in Iran,” the spokesman said.

He also confirmed a statement by US President Donald Trump that Tehran has demanded negotiations with Washington.

“Yes. The American side has put forward some cases and ideas,” adding that Iran has never left the negotiating table, a stance which he said was highlighted during a meeting between Foreign Minister Araghchi and foreign ambassadors to Tehran on Monday morning.

On another question about contradictory messages from the U.S., he said that such messages only demonstrate the lack of seriousness and good faith without offering any help.