Iran’s Foreign Minister accused Israeli PM Netanyahu of dragging the U.S. into disaster by warping President Trump’s foreign policy toward Iran. His criticisms come amid rising tensions due to the Gaza conflict, U.S. strikes on Houthi rebels, and stalled nuclear negotiations. Araghchi calls for diplomacy while warning against military actions towards Iran.
In a striking statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of imperiling U.S. interests in the Middle East. Araghchi asserted that Netanyahu is dragging the United States into a potential disaster by influencing President Donald Trump’s approach toward the ongoing tensions with Iran, the conflict in Gaza, and the actions of Houthi rebels targeting Israel.
He explicitly warned against any military strike on Iran, stating, “Netanyahu is directly MEDDLING within the US Government to DRAG it into another DISASTER in our region.” This accusation sheds light on Iran’s perception of the U.S.-Israel relationship, particularly during the escalating violence in Gaza, where the U.S. has provided backing to Israel amidst its conflict with Hamas.
Araghchi’s comments also referenced U.S. retaliatory attacks against Houthi forces, who have been engaged in operations against Israeli interests throughout the Gaza conflict. He criticized U.S. involvement, stating, “LETHAL support for Netanyahu’s Genocide in Gaza and waging WAR on behalf of Netanyahu in Yemen have achieved NOTHING for the American people.”
In a related development, Netanyahu announced retaliation against Iranian influence following a missile strike by the Houthi rebels that hit near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport. Iran has denied responsibility for this attack, further escalating the tension in the region.
On a different front, Araghchi’s remarks also coincided with the delay of recent nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S., originally set for last Saturday. Mediator Oman cited “logistical reasons” for the postponement. Since the U.S. exit from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, this marked the highest-level talks between the two nations, which have included three rounds since April.
Netanyahu has argued strongly for the dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, insisting that any agreement must eliminate Iran’s ability to enrich uranium for weapon purposes. Interestingly, Trump reiterated this stance, stating, “I would only accept the total dismantlement” of Iran’s nuclear program, while indicating he might consider civilian nuclear energy discussions.
Araghchi, in a press call, urged the U.S. to abandon what he termed “unrealistic and illogical” positions if a deal was to be achieved. He reminded that diplomacy could address concerns over nuclear weapons development, asserting that “reaching an agreement is fully within reach.”
Furthermore, the Iranian Foreign Minister expressed Tehran’s readiness to engage diplomatically with European nations involved in the 2015 nuclear deal, namely Britain, France, and Germany. Despite the accusations from Western powers regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Tehran consistently contends that its nuclear aspirations are peaceful. He emphasized, “if the goal was for Iran to not have a nuclear weapon, a deal is achievable and there is only ONE PATH to achieve it: DIPLOMACY based on MUTUAL RESPECT and MUTUAL INTERESTS.”
In summary, the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, exacerbated by Netanyahu’s actions and U.S. support for Israel, raise serious concerns over potential conflicts in the region. With diplomatic talks stalling, both sides emphasize the need for dialogue and mutual respect to reach an agreement on nuclear capabilities and regional stability. As the situation unfolds, the geopolitical landscape remains precarious, with significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Original Source: www.france24.com
