TEHRAN, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Monday that the recent riots and unrest in the country were aimed at dragging the United States into another war against Iran.

"Peaceful protests" earlier this month turned into violent acts with "organized and terrorist nature," which were "aimed at dragging the United States into another war against Iran," he told Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath over the phone.

Araghchi said he appreciated the Sri Lankan government's support for Iran over an anti-Tehran resolution adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday, calling it a sign of Sri Lanka's "independent, balanced and friendly" approach towards Iran.

Herath said Sri Lanka will remain committed to strengthening its relations with Iran despite foreign interventions.

During their phone talks, the two top diplomats also called for boosting bilateral ties and agreed to expand cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, while maintaining close consultations at the international stage.

Since late December, protests have erupted in several Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the national currency rial. The Iranian government has expressed its willingness to address economic grievances but has also warned against violence, vandalism and unrest.

The protests, with some turning into deadly clashes, have prompted Iranian authorities to allege that the United States and Israel may be behind the incidents.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that a U.S. "armada" is heading towards Iran but hoped he would not have to use it.