Araghchi slams Netanyahu over 'scary' Iran nuclear site claims

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
9 May 2025 03:31

Araghchi accuses Netanyahu of attempting to sabotage Iran-US talks with false claims over Iran’s third nuclear site, calling his credibility "in tatters".

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A sattelite image allegedly showing a secret Iranian nuclear site, which Iranian authorities have refuted. (X/@araghchi)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed what he called “scary satellite images” portraying a supposed third Iranian nuclear facility, denouncing the claims as baseless attempts to manipulate public perception ahead of renewed nuclear negotiations.

Araghchi reaffirmed that “every single milligram of enriched uranium in Iran is under full and constant IAEA supervision and monitoring,” asserting the transparency of Iran’s nuclear program.

The emergence of new satellite imagery has triggered speculation, primarily in Western media outlets, over the alleged expansion of Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Araghchi responded by drawing attention to the timing of the release, which coincides with the scheduled resumption of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the US in Oman.

Netanyahu accused of meddling in Iran-US negotiations

According to Araghchi, the resurfacing of such claims is no coincidence. He directly accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to derail the progress made in US-Iran discussions, asserting that the Israeli leader is deliberately intervening in diplomatic processes to dictate US policy.

“Like clockwork, more Very Scary Satellite Images are being circulated as Iran-U.S. indirect nuclear talks are set to resume,” Araghchi said in a post on X.

The Iranian diplomat emphasized that Netanyahu is trying to manipulate the position of US President Donald Trump, who has thus far taken a cautious approach toward the ongoing talks. Araghchi claimed the Israeli premier seeks to limit what Trump can agree to in negotiations, despite growing diplomatic momentum between Tehran and Washington.

Iranian minister questions use of MEK to spread disinformation

Highlighting the deteriorating credibility of the Israeli Prime Minister, Araghchi asserted that Netanyahu has now resorted to collaborating with the Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK), a group formerly listed as a terrorist organization by the US. He accused "Israel" of using MEK operatives to propagate false information about Iran’s nuclear activities.

Araghchi described the MEK as “a literal cult,” adding that the decision to involve them in such efforts only reveals the level of desperation. “They may come cheap, but hiring a literal cult only conveys utter desperation,” he stated, concluding that Netanyahu has been fully exposed as a “saboteur” whose credibility lies in “tatters.”