Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has intensified his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, linking the future of diplomacy in the Middle East to Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial and the fragile ceasefire efforts across the region.
In a post on his official X account, Araghchi said Netanyahu’s criminal trial, which is scheduled to resume on Sunday, could move faster if a broader ceasefire covering the entire region, including Lebanon, is enforced.
He argued that ending hostilities would remove what he described as Netanyahu’s ability to delay judicial proceedings through prolonged conflict.
“Netanyahu’s criminal trial resumes on Sun. A region-wide ceasefire, incl in Lebanon, would hasten his jailing,” Araghchi wrote, while accusing the Israeli leader of undermining diplomatic efforts.
The remarks came as Netanyahu’s corruption trial is set to restart following the suspension of emergency measures imposed during the recent conflict between Iran and Israel. The trial, which began in 2020, includes allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Netanyahu has repeatedly denied the accusations.
Araghchi further warned that the United States risks severe economic consequences if it allows Netanyahu to derail ongoing negotiations. “If the U.S. wishes to crater its economy by letting Netanyahu kill diplomacy, that would ultimately be its choice,” he wrote, adding that Tehran is prepared for such an outcome.
The statement comes amid growing tensions over whether the current U.S.-Iran ceasefire should also apply to Lebanon. Iran insists that Lebanon is included in the agreement, while Israel maintains that its operations against Hezbollah are separate. Read_More…