Iran Warns US of Strong Response Amid Protest Crackdown and Rising Tensions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the United States of a strong response if Iran faces renewed attacks, describing potential conflict as widespread and long-lasting. His remarks, published in The Wall Street Journal, come amid escalating tensions following Iran's deadly crackdown on protests, which human rights groups say has killed over 4,500 people. The warning coincides with the movement of a US aircraft carrier group toward the Middle East. Iran's leadership blames the US for unrest, while Araghchi attributes violence to armed demonstrators, a claim contested by videos showing security forces targeting protesters.