Iranian FM Warns US: Don’t Let Netanyahu “Kill Diplomacy”

Tehran (IANS): Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned the United States today against allowing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “kill diplomacy” amid a fragile, 40-day ceasefire.

In a post on X, Araghchi linked Netanyahu’s legal troubles to the regional conflict, noting that the Prime Minister’s criminal trial resumes this Sunday. Araghchi argued that a region-wide ceasefire—specifically including Lebanon—would “hasten his jailing.”

“If the United States lets Netanyahu kill diplomacy, that would ultimately be its choice,” Araghchi stated. “We think that would be dumb but are prepared for it.”

Supporting this stance, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on X that “time is running out,” asserting that Lebanon and the “resistance axis” remain inseparable parts of any ceasefire agreement.

Diplomatic Outreach and Conditions

On Thursday, Araghchi conducted a series of phone calls with his international counterparts to discuss the truce:

• Russia: Araghchi told Sergei Lavrov that Iran will guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for the next two weeks, provided the U.S. adheres to its commitments.

• France: Araghchi condemned Israeli ceasefire violations; French FM Jean-Noel Barrot urged an end to attacks against Lebanon.

• Spain: Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares labeled recent attacks on Iran “illegal” and pushed for continued diplomacy.

A Fragile Ceasefire

A two-week truce between the U.S. and Iran took effect Wednesday, with peace talks slated to begin later this week in Islamabad, Pakistan, led by Speaker Qalibaf.

However, tension remains high due to a fundamental disagreement over the scope of the deal:

• Israel’s Stance: Claims the ceasefire does not apply to Lebanon.

• The Conflict: Hours after the truce began, Israel launched its largest single-day attack on Lebanon, killing over 300 people and injuring more than 1,100.