Iran's foreign minister says his country does not want war with Israel or the U.S., but is ready to fight back if attacked

Iran has warned that the United States military and Israel would be treated as “legitimate targets” if Washington attacks the Islamic Republic, escalating tensions as anti-government protests continue across the country.

Here are the key questions about Iran’s protests, what sparked them, how the government is responding, and why U.S. involvement has become a central issue, answered.

The comments came after President Trump said he was “ looking at some very strong options” to curb the Iranian authorities’ harsh repression of anti-government protests.

Israeli media says readiness has increased, while Iran accuses Washington of seeking a pretext for intervention.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. and Israel of "direct involvement" in his country's ongoing anti-government street protests

ISRAEL and the United States have sent Islamic State (Isis) terrorists to take part in the mass uprisings, Iranian authorities alleged today.This comes as more observers call out the hypocrisy of nations who slam Iran’s clampdown on protests but themselves fail to follow international law.

President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Jan. 11 that Iran has contacted the United States to propose talks, as he weighs military options amid reports that hundreds of people have been killed across the country during mass protests.