World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
Iranian Foreign Minister Accuses Netanyahu of Pushing US Toward War
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Erakçi accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pushing the US toward a new war over Iran.
Erakçi said Netanyahu was ignoring the consequences for Israel and the US to avoid going to prison.
Netanyahu had described the October 27 election as existentially important and set out a security policy that included bringing down Iran's government.
He also said Iran's worsening economy could increase public pressure and lead to new protests.
Erakçi said Iran had emerged stronger from earlier attacks and warned that it had unfinished business.
The exchange highlights tensions over Iran's government and the risk of further conflict, but no next steps were stated.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pushing the United States toward a new war.
Araghchi said Netanyahu was doing so to avoid going to prison, while disregarding the consequences for Israel and the US president.
Netanyahu had said his plan was to bring about the collapse of Iran’s government.
He also said Israel could act independently of US support if necessary.
Araghchi said Iran had emerged stronger from previous attacks and warned that Iran had unfinished business.
- Who
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- What
- Araghchi said Netanyahu was pushing the United States toward a new war. Netanyahu said his plan was to bring about the collapse of Iran’s government.
- When
- Araghchi’s reaction was reported on October 18, 2026. Netanyahu’s briefing took place ahead of the October 27 election.
- Where
- Netanyahu spoke at his office in West Jerusalem. Araghchi posted his response on X.
- Why
- Araghchi said Netanyahu was pushing for war to avoid going to prison. Netanyahu described Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a major threat to Israel.
Abbas Araghchi
Benjamin Netanyahu
Reason for pursuing conflict
Abbas Araghchi
Araghchi accused Netanyahu of pushing the United States toward war to avoid going to prison.
Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu said Iran’s nuclear ambitions were among Israel’s greatest threats and that regime change remained a strategic goal.
Approach to Iran
Abbas Araghchi
Araghchi said Iran had emerged stronger from previous attacks and warned that it had unfinished business.
Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu said Israel’s plan to bring about the collapse of Iran’s government was comprehensive and determined.
US support
Abbas Araghchi
Araghchi said Netanyahu was drawing the United States toward a new war.
Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu said Israel was not dependent on the United States and would act independently if necessary.
Reports described Netanyahu’s security briefing and Araghchi’s response.
The Israeli election was scheduled to take place.
- Accuser
- Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister
- Accused
- Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister
- Accusation
- Pushing the United States toward a new war
- Netanyahu’s stated plan
- Bring about the collapse of Iran’s government
- Election date
- October 27, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
Netanyahu, to avoid going to prison, is pushing the US into a new war, disregarding the consequences this could have for Israel and the US president.
Do you want to try your luck once again? Go ahead, try. But be careful; we also have unfinished business.
Our plan is a very comprehensive and determined plan to bring about the collapse of the regime. This is the instruction I have given to all the security agencies.
To the extent necessary, we will also act independently. We have done so before, and we will do so again if necessary.