What is Netanyahu smoking? Araghchi slams Israeli influence over US

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
Today 01:55

Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi points out Netanyahu's failure in Gaza, interfering in US policy, and misjudging Iran’s nuclear resilience.

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In this photo released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks in a meeting with Tehran-based foreign diplomats, Iran, on July 12, 2025. (Iranian Foreign Ministry via AP)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blasted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, accusing him of delusional thinking and failed leadership both in Gaza and in attempts to derail Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.

“Netanyahu pledged victory in Gaza almost two years ago. The end result: military quagmire, facing arrest warrant for war crimes, and 200,000 new Hamas recruits,” Araghchi wrote in a post shared via his official X account.

Referring to the Israeli prime minister’s past threats against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Araghchi asserted that Netanyahu's campaign has not only failed but backfired.

Hundreds of Iranian nuclear scientists ready

“In Iran, he dreamed that he could erase 40+ years of peaceful nuclear achievements. The end result: every one of the dozen Iranian academics that his mercenaries martyred had trained 100+ capable disciples,” Araghchi underlined.

“They will show Netanyahu what they are capable of,” the top diplomat added.

Netanyahu is openly dictating US policy

The Iranian Foreign Minister also addressed Netanyahu’s posture in regional diplomacy, criticizing his influence over Washington’s approach to nuclear negotiations with Iran.

“He is openly dictating what the US should or shouldn't say or do in talks with Iran,” Araghchi added.

“Apart from [the] farce that Iran will accept anything a wanted war criminal has to say, the inevitable question arises: what exactly is Netanyahu smoking? And if nothing, what exactly does the Mossad have on the White House?”

Tehran unmoved by pressure: Core positions remain firm

Earlier on Sunday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi affirmed that Tehran's positions in any potential post-war negotiations will remain unchanged. Speaking to Iranian media, Gharibabadi emphasized that "a lack of trust in the other side is one of our core principles in negotiations,” adding that Iran’s military readiness should not be mistaken for diplomatic weakness.

“We are now more determined to defend our rights,” he said, noting that Iran’s negotiating stance has only hardened in the aftermath of recent Israeli-American aggression.

Iran's stance stems from strength

Despite the mounting pressure, Iranian officials reiterated that their stance stems from strength, not desperation.

“We feel no weakness,” Gharibabadi stressed, underscoring that the country’s scientific and defense infrastructure has not only survived but evolved in the face of Israeli and Western hostility.