Monday 19 Oct 2026
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (Photo/Reuters)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to drag the United States into another war with Iran to avoid imprisonment, while warning Washington against renewed military action.
“Netanyahu is driving America into another war to stay out of jail,” Araghchi wrote on the US social media platform X late on Sunday, saying the Israeli leader was disregarding the consequences for Israel and US President Donald Trump.
“Last time you wanted to ‘finish the job,’ Iran emerged even stronger. Want to try your luck again? Be our guest. But be careful; we have unfinished jobs too,” he added.
Last time you wanted to "finish the job", Iran emerged even stronger. Want to try your luck again? Be our guest. But be careful; we have unfinished jobs too. Netanyahu is driving America into another war to stay out of jail, whatever the consequences for Israel—let alone POTUS.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) October 18, 2026
Under the shadow of trial
Netanyahu has led the current government since late 2022, described as Israel's most right-wing government in history.
Israel’s prime minister is also standing trial domestically on corruption charges that could carry prison sentences if convicted and has been wanted by the International Court of Justice since 2024 for war crimes in Gaza.
Opposition parties have intensified coordination to replace Netanyahu’s government at the ballot box.
The US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran.
Despite an April ceasefire and a June framework agreement, fighting later resumed as negotiations between Washington and Tehran stalled.
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Source: TRT
