Iran Vows Full Retaliation Against U.S. Amid Deadly Crackdown on Protests
TEHRAN — Iran’s foreign minister issued a stark warning on January 21, 2026, declaring that the country will retaliate “with everything we have” if the United States launches any military strikes. The threat comes as Iran faces one of its deadliest waves of domestic unrest in recent history, with more than 4,500 protesters killed amid a brutal government crackdown.
In a recent op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States and its allies of exploiting the unrest to push the region toward a wider conflict. Araghchi described the protests as initially peaceful but said they were hijacked by “foreign and domestic terrorist actors,” which prompted the Iranian government to impose near-total internet and communications blackouts in an effort to control the situation.
Araghchi blamed the inflammatory rhetoric from Washington, particularly from President Donald Trump, for escalating the violence. He argued that U.S. warnings effectively incentivized mass bloodshed, intensifying the government’s harsh response to the demonstrations. Despite the severity of the crackdown, the foreign minister insisted that Iran still prefers diplomatic solutions but cautioned that any future military action by the U.S. would provoke a far more forceful and prolonged regional conflict.
The unrest has drawn widespread international attention, with human rights organizations condemning the Iranian government’s use of lethal force against demonstrators. The situation remains volatile, as armed militias have reportedly fired heavy machine guns through Tehran’s streets during deadly night attacks, and riot police have clashed with protesters amid widespread anger.
Iran’s warning follows increased tensions in the region, where the U.S. maintains a significant military presence. Officials from the U.S. Department of State have expressed concern over the escalating violence and the potential for further destabilization. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of protecting American interests and personnel in the Middle East.
International bodies such as the United Nations have called for restraint and urged all parties to seek peaceful dialogue. The UN’s special rapporteurs on human rights have condemned the crackdown and called for investigations into the deaths of protesters.
As the crisis deepens, the possibility of U.S. military intervention remains a contentious issue in Washington. President Trump has signaled a willingness to consider forceful measures, though some lawmakers and analysts advocate for diplomatic engagement to avoid further bloodshed. The Iranian government’s unequivocal threat of retaliation underscores the risks of escalating hostilities.
The current turmoil in Iran reflects broader regional instability, where proxy conflicts and geopolitical rivalries continue to fuel tensions. The Iranian leadership’s readiness to respond with full force to any U.S. attack raises the stakes for all involved, threatening to ignite a prolonged and wider conflict in the Middle East.
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