ISTANBUL 

Iran said Tuesday that it is “fully prepared” for any potential war to protect its national interests, stressing that it prioritizes dialogue to resolve problems.

“Amid these threats, we hear the drums of war beating in the foreign press,” government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani told a press conference in Tehran.

“This is not the first time we have faced such a threat. We have previously endured a multi-stage war.”

Fears are growing inside Iran of a potential US strike amid rising tensions between the two countries following anti-government protests in the country.

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers crossed into the Middle East region on Monday, as tensions continued to soar with Tehran.

The US administration says that all options, including military action, remain on the table in dealing with Tehran, as the US and Israel seek to change Iran’s ruling system.

Iranian officials have warned that any US attack would draw a “swift and comprehensive” response.

“As the president (Masoud Pezeshkian) has stated, we mourn everyone who has lost their lives (in the protests),” Mohajerani said.

“More than 3,000 deaths is not a small number. We will not forget the brutal killings carried out against our security forces. We are not new to such difficult times.”

The spokesperson said Iran is confidient it would overcome the current crisis through engagement with the public.

“We believe that this crisis must be resolved by engaging in dialogue with the people and acknowledging their legitimate demands.”

She said the government had adopted a different approach toward the protests, holding meetings with leaders of “peaceful” demonstrations and dismissing university officials who had taken a “hardline” stance against students.

Mohajerani said investigations into the protests and acts of violence are ongoing, saying reports on the matter will be released in the coming days.

As for the ongoing internet blackout in the country, she said decisions related to “security threats” are taken by the Supreme National Security Council.

“When our security is threatened, various measures are adopted based on institutional assessments, while taking potential damage into account.”

She added that businesspeople and traders currently have limited internet access.

“President Pezeshkian supports lifting restrictions on internet access, but given the current circumstances, security councils should manage decisions related to service disruptions.”