Netanyahu Trying to Start Another War: Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to drag the United States into another war with Iran to avoid going to prison. He also warned Washington against taking any new military action.

In a post on social media platform X late Sunday night, Mr. Araghchi wrote, “To stay out of jail, Mr. Netanyahu is pushing the United States into another war.” He accused the Israeli leader of showing no concern for the possible consequences for US President Donald Trump and Israel.

Mr. Araghchi also wrote, “Last time, you wanted to ‘finish the job’, but Iran has only grown stronger. Want to try your luck again? Be our guest. But beware, we too have some unfinished business.” Earlier on Sunday, Mr. Trump publicly endorsed Mr. Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 election. Praising their partnership in confronting Iran, Mr. Trump warned that if Israelis chose someone other than Mr. Netanyahu as their leader, the United States might have to take matters into its own hands.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Mr. Trump wrote, “If Israel has the wrong leader—meaning anyone other than Mr. Netanyahu—the United States will have to do the job itself, and I am not interested in doing that.”

Mr. Netanyahu has led Israel’s most right-wing government in history since late 2022. He is facing several corruption cases in Israel that could result in a prison sentence if he is convicted. He has also been subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court since 2024 over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Meanwhile, opposition parties in Israel have intensified their political activities and coordination to defeat Mr. Netanyahu’s government in the upcoming election. On February 28, the United States and Israel launched joint military strikes against Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate.

Source: Anadolu Agency.