Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied reports of mass executions of detained protesters and blamed recent deadly unrest on what he described as an “Israeli plot,” during an interview with Fox News aired on January 14.

Axar.az reports that speaking to Fox News, Araghchi rejected claims that thousands of protesters were killed by Iranian security forces, insisting the violence was caused by “terrorist elements” operating from outside the country.

“There were three days of fighting against terrorists, not with protesters,” Araghchi said, alleging that armed groups infiltrated demonstrations and targeted both civilians and police officers.

Baier confronted the Iranian official with footage showing security forces firing at fleeing protesters, asking whether the videos were fabricated. Araghchi responded by claiming the protests had been “hijacked by violent actors” and said the government exercised “maximum restraint,” adding that calm had since been restored and authorities were “in full control.”

“Hanging is out of the question. There will be no hanging today or tomorrow,” he said.

Addressing escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, Araghchi warned against further U.S. military action, referencing American strikes carried out in June 2025.

“Don’t repeat the mistake you made in June,” he told Trump, arguing that while facilities can be destroyed, Iran’s technological capability and determination cannot be eliminated through force.

Araghchi acknowledged again that U.S. strikes had caused serious damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities and temporarily halted uranium enrichment, though he maintained that Iran’s nuclear program could ultimately be rebuilt.

“Our facilities have been damaged—seriously damaged. Enrichment has currently ceased,” he said, adding that the attacks proved there was “no military option” to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

It should be noted that US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to continue protesting, saying “help is on its way,” signaling a possible shift toward military action against Tehran.