DST News: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Tehran is prepared to respond if Washington chooses a military path, telling Al Jazeera, “If the United States wants to test the military option it has tested before, we are ready for it.”

The warning comes as tens of thousands of pro-government supporters rally across Iranian cities in a show of strength, following weeks of deadly protests. Iran has remained largely cut off from the internet for a fifth consecutive day, further limiting independent reporting.

Meanwhile, China has voiced strong opposition to what it called “illicit unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction,” responding to President Donald Trump’s statement that countries doing business with Iran would face a 25 percent tariff on trade with the United States.

Iranian state media report that more than 100 security personnel have been killed in recent days. Opposition activists, however, claim the death toll is significantly higher and includes hundreds of protesters. Al Jazeera has said it is unable to independently verify the figures.

Source: Aljazeera