Iran’s top diplomat has denied that his country is seeking to destroy the State of Israel. Speaking a month after the two regional rivals engaged in unprecedented hostilities, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that ‘it has never been Iran’s policy to wipe out Israel from the map.’ In an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier, Araghchi explicitly rejected accusations of intending to annihilate Israel, asserting that such claims were unfounded. He also reiterated Iran’s support for pro-Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, describing their actions as a ‘just cause.’ Araghchi accused the United States of providing weapons to Israel, which he claimed enables the country to ‘kill people’ in Palestine and beyond.
Additionally, Araghchi addressed the controversial ‘Death to America’ chant, clarifying that it does not represent a call to kill U.S. citizens but rather a critique of America’s ‘hegemonic policies.’ He urged observers not to conflate ‘radical’ elements within Iran with the country’s official stance. Araghchi also noted that Iran has no diplomatic ties with the United States and considers the State of Israel an ‘illegitimate entity.’ He cited remarks by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who wrote in 2023 that the ‘hostile, usurper Zionist regime will be wiped off the world’s map one day,’ which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed as a national threat, prompting military action during a recent 12-day war with Iran.
Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s position that it does not seek nuclear weapons and is open to restarting indirect talks with the United States. However, he emphasized that Iran will continue enriching uranium for civilian use, describing it as a matter of ‘national pride.’ His comments come amid heightened regional tensions, with Israel launching airstrikes following Khamenei’s statements. The interview with Fox News underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts and the complex relationship between Iran and the United States, with Araghchi vowing to maintain support for pro-Palestinian groups while denying any intent to destroy Israel.