Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused Israeli PM Netanyahu of dragging the US into a Middle East disaster amid rising tensions concerning Gaza and nuclear talks. He warns against military actions against Iran and criticizes US support for Israel. Meanwhile, negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program have faced delays and complications.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has recently taken a critical stance towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that Netanyahu is dragging the United States into a significant disaster in the Middle East. This includes what Araghchi described as efforts to dictate U.S. policy regarding tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as the ongoing war in Gaza and Houthi operations impacting Israel and the Red Sea.
Speaking on Monday, Araghchi warned that Netanyahu’s actions could lead to severe repercussions. “Netanyahu is directly MEDDLING within the US Government to DRAG it into another DISASTER in our region,” he declared, urging caution against any offensive actions against Iran. The Iranian Foreign Minister also articulated concerns about U.S. backing for Israel in its military engagement against Hamas while alluding to American strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen, which have threatened Israeli interests.
Araghchi’s comments come in light of rising tensions, particularly following Netanyahu’s accusations toward Iran regarding recent missile attacks by the Houthi rebels aimed at Israel. He condemned what he termed “LETHAL support for Netanyahu’s Genocide in Gaza,” claiming that it has not benefited the American public whatsoever. Iran has, however, refuted any involvement in the missile strike that targeted Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport.
In a related context, Araghchi addressed the recent postponement of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S., originally set for Saturday. According to reports, this delay was attributed to “logistical reasons” as relayed by Oman, the mediator in these discussions. Thus far, three rounds of talks have taken place since the U.S. withdrew from a pivotal nuclear agreement in 2018.
Netanyahu has voiced strong opposition to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, calling for a dismantling of its nuclear program and clarity on missile development. On a related front, President Trump has stated that he would consent only to “the total dismantlement” of Iran’s nuclear capabilities but is open to discussions regarding civilian nuclear energy for electricity generation.
Following this, Araghchi urged the U.S. to pivot away from “unrealistic and illogical” stances if a viable agreement is to be reached. In discussions with Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, he indicated Tehran’s readiness to negotiate and address concerns regarding nuclear proliferation. He underscored the potential for constructive outcomes if mutual respect and interests are prioritized.
The Iranian Foreign Minister asserted that diplomacy is the only path to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, emphasizing a commitment to pursuing dialogue with European nations involved in the 2015 nuclear agreement’s renewal efforts. Despite ongoing allegations from Western nations about Iran’s nuclear intentions, Tehran has repeatedly dismissed these claims as unfounded.
In summary, Abbas Araghchi’s remarks underscore heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, particularly surrounding the U.S.’s role and the nuclear talks that seem to be at a standstill. Netanyahu’s influence on U.S. decisions has raised alarms in Iran, while also complicating international relations. The future of diplomatic efforts hinges on a delicate balance of respect and mutual interest, as both nations navigate these fraught issues.
Original Source: www.france24.com
