Iran's Foreign Minister Blasts US for War Actions Linked to Israel

Iran's Response to US Military Actions

Tehran: On Tuesday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a strong rebuttal to comments made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, declaring that there has never been an 'Iranian threat' and attributing the violence affecting both Americans and Iranians to what he referred to as 'Israel Firsters.'

Rubio had stated on Monday that the US initiated strikes on Iran after receiving intelligence that Israel was poised to take action, raising fears of potential retaliation from Tehran against US forces in the area.

"We were aware that an Israeli operation was imminent. We anticipated that this would lead to an attack on American troops, and we recognized that if we did not act preemptively, we would face greater losses," Rubio explained to the press.

In response, Araghchi took to X to assert, "Mr. Rubio has confirmed what many already suspected: the US has engaged in a war of choice for the benefit of Israel. There was never any so-called Iranian 'threat.'"

He further accused Israel of being responsible for the casualties on both sides, stating, "The bloodshed of both American and Iranian individuals lies with the Israel Firsters. The American populace deserves better and should reclaim their nation."

Previously, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that Israel was behind the strike in Tehran that resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with other high-ranking officials, based on intelligence that they were convening at that moment.

Rubio, however, insisted that the Trump administration viewed action against Iran as essential, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the operation's timing.

"Ultimately, this operation was necessary, regardless of the events leading up to it," Rubio stated.

He also clarified that while the US would prefer to see the end of Khamenei's regime, that was not the explicit goal of the current military engagement.