WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened again to strike Iran "very hard" if its authorities "start killing people" protesting in the Middle Eastern country.
"I have let them know that if they start killing people ... we are going to hit them very hard," Trump said in an interview with a conservative radio.
Trump and other senior US officials recently warned on several occasions that Washington would act if Iran "kills peaceful protesters."
READ MORE: Iran says open to 'genuine, serious' talks with US
On Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as "interventionist and deceptive" remarks by the Trump administration on recent unrest in the country, saying they reflected Washington's continued hostility toward the Iranian people.
The US comments on Iran's internal affairs were part of a long-standing policy of pressure and interference, rather than genuine concern for the welfare of Iranians, said the ministry in a statement.
US accused of 'interference'
Iran's Foreign Ministry has condemned what it described as "interventionist and deceptive" remarks by US officials on recent unrest in the country, saying they reflected Washington's continued hostility toward the Iranian people.
In a statement issued late on Wednesday, the ministry said US comments on Iran's internal affairs were part of a long-standing policy of pressure and interference, rather than genuine concern for the welfare of Iranians.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late last month over the sharp fall in the rial and long-standing economic hardships. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and said they are willing to address economic grievances, while warning against violence, vandalism and unrest.
Dozens of people, including protesters and members of the security forces, have been killed since the protests began, according to various reports. There is no official figure for the death toll.
US President Donald Trump and other senior US officials have warned several occasions that Washington would act if Iran "kills peaceful protesters."
The Iranian Foreign Ministry rejected those statements, saying they were aimed at stirring instability and were a continuation of the US "maximum pressure" campaign against Teheran.
It said Iran's economic difficulties were largely the result of a "full-scale economic and financial war" waged by the United States through "illegal and cruel" sanctions.
The ministry added that US policy toward Iran is "a combination of psychological warfare, media campaigns, spread of false information, threats of military intervention and incitement of violence and terrorism," which violated the United Nations Charter and international law.
Iran 'ready' for war
Iran is prepared for war if forced into confrontation but does not seek one, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday, while stressing Teheran remains open to negotiations based on mutual respect.
"We are prepared for any scenario. We do not want war, but we are fully ready for it," Araghchi told reporters at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. He added that negotiations "cannot proceed under pressure or dictates."
Responding to questions about US and Israeli threats, he said past attempts to confront Teheran had failed and warned that any renewed effort would meet the same outcome.
Araghchi arrived in Lebanon leading an economic delegation for a two-day visit, during which he is scheduled to meet senior Lebanese political and government officials. He said the primary goal of the trip is to consult with Lebanese allies on regional developments amid escalating tensions.
The Iranian foreign minister warned that the Middle East faces serious and unprecedented challenges, pointing to "growing threats" from Israel. He said Israeli attacks have targeted many countries in the region, including Iran and Lebanon, over the past two years, and that Israel continues to occupy parts of Lebanese territory while repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement.
He emphasized Lebanon's pivotal role in the region, saying the timing of his visit is "highly sensitive" and that Iran continues consultations with regional states to address ongoing challenges.
On bilateral ties, Araghchi highlighted longstanding political, economic, and cultural links between Iran and Lebanon, and said Teheran seeks to expand cooperation, particularly in the economic sector. He confirmed plans to meet Lebanon's economy minister to discuss ways to strengthen trade and commercial relations.
Araghchi also reaffirmed Iran's support for Lebanon's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Large-scale internet blackout
Iran's capital, Teheran, and several other parts of the country experienced an internet blackout on Thursday, an internet monitoring group said.
NetBlocks, the monitoring group, said on its website that, "Live metrics show Iran is now in the midst of a nationwide internet blackout."
Xinhua reporters based in Teheran have experienced the blackout, starting from around 8:15 pm local time (1645 GMT).
READ MORE: Iran condemns US restrictions on diplomats at UN
The blackout is reportedly the consequence of ongoing protests in several Iranian cities since late last month, including the latest in Teheran on Thursday, over the sharp fall in the rial and long-standing economic hardships.
Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported Thursday that 23 police officers and one "rioter" were injured during clashes in northeastern Iran's Khorasan Razavi over the past days, amid protests in the province.
Five people were killed in an attack by "rioters" on a police station in the province on Wednesday night, it added.
