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Iran Warns US: Letting Netanyahu "Kill Diplomacy" Would Be "Dumb"

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has publicly warned the United States that allowing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "kill diplomacy" would be a "dumb" choice, as a fragile two-week ceasefire begins. The warning came amid reports of Israeli attacks on Lebanon just hours after the truce took effect, killing hundreds and injuring over a thousand. Araghchi held separate calls with his Russian, French, Spanish, and German counterparts to discuss the ceasefire and violations. Peace talks are scheduled to begin in Islamabad, with Iran's side reportedly headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

Key Points: Iran FM Warns US Against Letting Netanyahu Kill Diplomacy

  • Iran warns US over Netanyahu's role
  • Fragile ceasefire takes hold after 40 days
  • Israel launches major attack on Lebanon post-truce
  • Ceasefire talks to begin in Islamabad
  • Key mediators and powers hold urgent calls
2 min read

Iranian FM warns US against letting Netanyahu 'kill diplomacy'

Iranian FM Araghchi warns the US against Israeli PM Netanyahu undermining ceasefire. Talks begin as fragile truce holds after 40 days of conflict.

"if the United States lets Netanyahu 'kill diplomacy, that would ultimately be its choice. We think that would be dumb but are prepared for it. - Seyed Abbas Araghchi"

Tehran, April 10

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned the United States against allowing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "kill diplomacy," as a fragile ceasefire took hold following 40 days of fighting.

In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi said, "Netanyahu's criminal trial resumes on Sun(day). A region-wide ceasefire, incl(uding) in Lebanon, would hasten his jailing."

He added that if the United States lets Netanyahu "kill diplomacy, that would ultimately be its choice. We think that would be dumb but are prepared for it."

Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf wrote on X that "time is running out," stressing that Lebanon and the "resistance axis" are "inseparable" parts of the ceasefire.

Also on Thursday, Araghchi discussed the ceasefire with his Russian, French, Spanish and German counterparts in separate phone calls, Xinhua news agency reported quoting statements released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Araghchi told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that Iran took a responsible approach, and that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, promised for two weeks under the ceasefire, will be provided if the United States adheres to its commitments.

In a call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Araghchi expressed regret over Israeli ceasefire violations and attacks on Lebanon, urging international action. Barrot welcomed the ceasefire and stressed the need to stop Israeli attacks against Lebanon.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called the attacks on Iran "illegal," and urged all parties to remain committed to the diplomatic path.

A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran took effect on Wednesday, with peace talks scheduled to begin later this week in Islamabad, Pakistan. The Iranian side will be reportedly headed by Qalibaf.

Israel has said the ceasefire does not cover the conflict in Lebanon, a position disputed by Iran and mediator Pakistan. Hours after the ceasefire came into effect, Israel launched its largest single-day attack on Lebanon, which has killed more than 300 and injured over 1,100.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's heartbreaking to read about the attacks on Lebanon after the ceasefire. Over 300 killed? The international community must hold violators accountable. Peace talks in Islamabad are our only hope now.
A
Aman W
While Iran's FM makes valid points about diplomacy, let's not forget Iran's own role in regional tensions. A truly responsible approach means all parties de-escalating, not just pointing fingers. Just my two cents.
S
Sarah B
The connection drawn between Netanyahu's trial and the ceasefire is quite stark. Using a leader's domestic legal troubles as diplomatic leverage is an unusual, aggressive tactic. Shows how personal these conflicts have become.
V
Vikram M
Pakistan as the mediator for talks in Islamabad is interesting. Hope they can facilitate genuine dialogue. India has always advocated for peaceful resolution of conflicts. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
The "resistance axis" being called inseparable from the ceasefire is the core issue. Until that broader network is part of the deal, any pause will be fragile. Complex geopolitics at play.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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