Tehran: Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for justifying his recent U.S.-coordinated conflict with Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program, which Araqchi insists is peaceful.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Araqchi expressed his disapproval on his social media platform, X, highlighting Netanyahu’s failed attempts to undermine Iran’s nuclear achievements through a 12-day war initiated by Israel. Araqchi dismissed the Israeli assassination of Iranian academics as a futile effort, emphasizing that those slain had already mentored numerous capable individuals who will continue their legacy.
Araqchi further criticized Netanyahu’s continued arrogance despite Israel’s failure to meet its objectives in the conflict with Iran. He pointed out that Netanyahu sought assistance from U.S. President Donald Trump after Iranian missiles destroyed secret Israeli sites, which remain under censorship by the Israeli regime.
The foreign minister’s comments came in response to Netanyahu’s assertions during his Washington visit, where he claimed that Iran was facing significant challenges after the conflict and suggested that Iran could have developed a nuclear weapon within a year without Israeli and U.S. intervention. Netanyahu also expressed his desire for Trump to broker a deal restricting Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
Araqchi ridiculed these statements, accusing Netanyahu of trying to influence U.S. policy regarding Iran and questioning the relationship between Netanyahu and the U.S. administration. He highlighted the improbability of Iran conceding to demands from someone he described as a ‘wanted war criminal.’
Araqchi also addressed Netanyahu’s claims of victory over Palestinians in Gaza, pointing out the ongoing resistance and the Israeli regime’s inability to achieve its military objectives. He referenced the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu for war crimes in Gaza, underscoring the ongoing legal and military challenges faced by the Israeli leader.