Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has sharply criticised Israel and the United States following a series of escalating remarks between officials of the two countries over regional tensions and Iran’s nuclear programme. His comments came in response to statements by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who reportedly said that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was “marked for death” and reiterated Israel’s opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, Araghchi accused the United States of enabling Israel’s actions, stating that Washington had “committed to muzzling its pets in Tel Aviv.” He further warned that if Israel acted independently of its allies, Iran would respond strongly, adding that any threat against Iran’s leadership or people would be met with what he described as an “immediate powerful response.”

The exchange follows heightened rhetoric between Iranian and Israeli officials amid ongoing regional tensions. Araghchi was responding directly to Katz’s remarks, which also referenced Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Israel’s position that it would not allow Tehran to develop nuclear weapons capability. The Israeli defence minister indicated that while diplomatic agreements addressing nuclear issues would be preferable, Israel would continue to act to prevent Iran from advancing its programme.

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Araghchi, however, reiterated Iran’s stated commitment under a memorandum of understanding (MoU), saying the terms were “crystal clear” and publicly available. He maintained that Iran has consistently affirmed it will not pursue nuclear weapons development, referencing earlier agreements that outline this position. Iranian officials have repeatedly pointed to such commitments as evidence of their declared policy, while also warning against external threats to their sovereignty.

The latest exchange underscores continuing tensions in the Middle East, where diplomatic efforts, security concerns, and long-standing hostilities between Iran, Israel, and their respective allies remain deeply intertwined. Observers note that such public rhetoric further complicates already fragile regional dynamics, even as international actors continue to call for restraint and renewed dialogue.

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