Iran's Zarif Warns Trump Against Military Action
In light of potential U.S. military threats against Iran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Zarif issued a stern warning to President Donald Trump.
Zarif stated in an interview with Fox News last night:
"My message to President Donald Trump is: do not repeat the same mistake made in June."
He referred to U.S. strikes that targeted Iran in the summer of 2025, arguing that repeating this "failed experience" would yield the same negative results.
* "Terrorist Elements" Behind Violence
Regarding protests that have erupted in Iran since December 28, Zarif confirmed that the death toll has not reached the thousands as reported, stating that only hundreds were killed by gunfire from what he described as terrorist elements from abroad, employing tactics similar to those of ISIS.
He added: "These individuals took police officers hostage, burned them alive, beheaded them, and began shooting at police and civilians."
He emphasized that security forces had indeed confronted these elements for three days, rather than peaceful protesters.
Zarif linked some of these incidents to alleged attempts to draw the United States into the conflict, mentioning a potential role for Israel without providing evidence.
* Denial of Executions and Exaggerated Casualty Figures
Zarif confirmed that there are no plans to execute protesters due to the demonstrations, noting that Iran's judiciary has also denied the accuracy of circulating casualty figures, asserting that the numbers presented in death records are merely burial certificates, not the actual death toll.
* Context on the Ground
The protests, which began in response to deteriorating economic conditions, have evolved in some areas into political demonstrations against the authorities, raising international concerns over a possible U.S. intervention following repeated threats from Trump.
