The key facts

  • Araghchi: 'Netanyahu is dragging America into another war so he doesn't end up in prison'
  • Trump backed Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 elections and warned about the US's reluctance to act on its own
  • The US and Israel struck Iran on February 28; after the April ceasefire and the June framework agreement, hostilities resumed

Tehran's Accusations

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday evening accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to drag the United States into a new war with Iran in order to avoid prison, and warned Washington against resuming military action. 'Netanyahu is dragging America into another war so he can stay out of prison,' Araghchi wrote on the X platform, adding that the Israeli leader shows no regard for the consequences either for Israel or for US President Donald Trump.

Iran's Warning

'Last time you wanted to 'finish the job,' Iran only grew stronger. Want to try your luck again? By all means. But be careful: we have unfinished business too,' the head of Iranian diplomacy added.

Trump's Endorsement Ahead of the Elections

Araghchi's statement followed a post by Trump the same day, in which he endorsed Netanyahu ahead of Israel's October 27 elections, praising the partnership in confronting Iran. 'If Israel gets the wrong leader — meaning anyone other than Bibi — America will have to do the job itself, and I'm not inclined to do that,' Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform, using Netanyahu's nickname.

Context: Trials and Elections

According to Anadolu, Netanyahu has led the government since late 2022, which is called the most right-wing in Israel's history. He is on trial on corruption charges that, if he is found guilty, could lead to imprisonment, and since 2024, according to the agency, he is wanted by the International Court for war crimes in Gaza. Opposition parties have stepped up coordination, seeking to replace Netanyahu's government in the elections.

Military Context

The US and Israel carried out military strikes on Iran on February 28, which prompted retaliatory attacks by Tehran. Despite the ceasefire in April and the framework agreement reached in June, hostilities later resumed amid the stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran.