Why it matters:
The fourth round of indirect talks between Iran and the U.S., reportedly set for Sunday in Muscat, could signal a step toward easing nuclear tensions. Araghchi's stance on Israel's attempts to derail talks with the help of the MEK terrorist group reflects Israel's fear of Iran's use of diplomacy to resolve conflicts that threaten Israeli interests.
.
The big picture:
Iran and the U.S. have been locked in a drawn-out effort to revive nuclear diplomacy. Each round of talks has faced pressure from external actors, notably Israel, which opposes the reactivation of the 2015 nuclear deal.
The MEK, labeled a terrorist organization by Iran and formerly by the U.S., has frequently been used to amplify anti-Iran narratives.
What he's saying:
Araghchi slammed the recent Fox News report, which cited satellite images allegedly showing a secret Iranian nuclear facility. He dismissed it as yet another ploy by Netanyahu, saying:
“As always, as talks resume, more ‘highly alarming’ satellite images are being released.”
He criticized Netanyahu for desperation and for recycling both “old and new puppets” to spread fear ahead of U.S.–Iran talks.
Netanyahu, “with his credibility in tatters and exposed as a saboteur,” is using “Saddam’s Iranian henchmen,” referring to the MEK.
The Israeli PM is pursuing his policy of trying to dictate what “@realdonaldtrump can and cannot do,” Araghchi added, invoking Netanyahu’s history of lobbying the U.S. president.
Key points:
- Fox News, citing MEK, claimed satellite imagery revealed a previously undisclosed Iranian nuclear site.
- Araghchi responded on social media, blaming Netanyahu for orchestrating the misinformation.
- The timing of the report aligns with the scheduled resumption of indirect nuclear talks.
Go deeper:
The MEK, or Mujahedin-e Khalq, has a long and contentious history of assassinations and terrorist activities in Iran. MEK also allied with Iraqi Dictator Saddam in the 8-year war against Iran. As talks resume, observers will be watching to see whether disinformation campaigns escalate and how they shape Washington’s stance.
Hossein Vaez
