Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said negotiations with the United States could begin once Washington abandons its policy of dictating terms and engages in honest dialogue, TASS reported on January 8.

The comments come as protests in Iran entered their 12th day on January 7, with demonstrations reported in 37 cities across 24 provinces despite continued arrests and security crackdowns. The protests have affected 111 cities in 31 provinces since they began, with 10 universities joining demonstrations on January 7, bringing the total number of academic institutions involved to 45.

"When the Americans recognise that negotiations are not dictation, substantive negotiations can begin," Araghchi told a press conference after arriving in Beirut.

The Iranian foreign minister said Tehran remains fully prepared for any scenario, particularly given what he described as unprecedented threats from Israel.

"We do not want war, but we are ready for it. We are ready for negotiations, but negotiations based on mutual respect," Araghchi said.

His comments follow a report by US portal Axios late last year claiming that President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed potential strikes on Iran in 2026 during a meeting on December 29 in Florida.

Israeli public broadcaster Kann reported on January 6, citing a diplomatic source, that Netanyahu asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to relay a message to Tehran stating that Israel does not intend to attack Iran.

The statements come as regional tensions remain elevated following the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria and ongoing conflicts involving Iranian-backed groups across the Middle East.

Iran's willingness to engage in talks with Washington has fluctuated since Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement during his first term as president. The incoming Trump administration has not yet outlined its approach to Iran policy.

Araghchi's remarks suggest Tehran is seeking to establish preconditions for any future dialogue, insisting on what it terms respectful engagement rather than what Iranian officials have previously characterised as ultimatums from Western powers.