By Micah Jonah
January 13, 2026
Iran has declared it is prepared for any military action by the United States, as tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators flooded the streets following weeks of deadly anti-government protests.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera: “If Washington wants to test the military option it has tested before, we are ready for it.” The government has maintained a near-total internet shutdown for the fifth consecutive day, restricting access to domestic sites while easing some international calls.
Amid growing unrest, global powers are reacting: Finland plans to summon Iran’s ambassador over the crackdown, while Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the regime’s leadership “in its final days and weeks.” Meanwhile, oil prices have risen due to fears of supply disruptions from the geopolitical uncertainty.
Australian and US officials have urged their citizens to leave Iran immediately, highlighting escalating tensions and potential military threats. Iran has accused the United States and Israel of fomenting the unrest, claiming foreign interference is behind the protests.
The protests mark the largest challenge to Iran’s government in years, though analysts caution that lack of strong organizational networks among demonstrators may limit their immediate impact.
