In the latest development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied allegations of assassination plots targeting former U.S. President Donald Trump, asserting that such claims are baseless and contradictory to Iran’s official stance. In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Araghchi addressed the persistent rumors, stating that these allegations are not part of Iran’s policy and are instead attributed to ‘radicals’ within and outside the country. He clarified that the phrase ‘Death to America’ is symbolic, representing opposition to U.S. hegemonic policies rather than a call to harm Americans. This statement came amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, following the U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2023.
Araghchi further dismissed the idea that Iran has any policy to eliminate Israel ‘off the map,’ despite historical and recent statements by Iranian leaders. His remarks followed reports that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei referred to Israel as a ‘cancerous tumor’ that must be ‘uprooted and destroyed.’ Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, at a 2005 conference, echoed similar rhetoric, stating that Israel ‘must be wiped off the map.’ More recently, Iranian General Ebrahim Jabbari asserted on state television that Iran must ‘annihilate’ Israel, according to a translation by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). These statements highlight the conflicting narratives within Iran, where official policy may diverge from the rhetoric of certain leaders.
Despite these claims, Araghchi insisted that Iran remains open to indirect talks with the Trump administration, though the U.S. has not ruled out further military action. The U.S. Department of Justice has previously charged members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) with plotting against Trump and other officials, including a 2022 case involving former national security advisor John Bolton. These charges underscore the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations and the persistent security threats perceived by both nations. As tensions continue, the international community watches closely for any potential de-escalation or further escalation, with implications for regional stability and global security.
The U.S. response to these allegations has been firm, with President Trump previously stating that he would ensure Iran’s ‘obliteration’ in the event of an assassination attempt. The recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites have only heightened these tensions, with Iran vowing not to abandon its nuclear program in any potential deal. This ongoing standoff highlights the deep-seated animosities between the two countries and the potential for future conflict unless diplomatic channels are reopened. As the situation unfolds, the world remains on edge, waiting to see if the latest statements from Iran’s leadership will lead to a thaw in hostilities or further escalation.